Activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has accused a controversial Christian youth leader, James Adama, of manipulating the Nigerian Police Force to suppress the freedom of expression of young Nigerians on social media.
In a video statement released on April 26, Sowore disclosed that he had an altercation with Adama at the Force Investigation Department (FID) of the Nigeria Police in Abuja. According to Sowore, Adama, who he described as the “so-called coordinator” of The Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), has built influence within the police force to facilitate the arrest and detention of social media users who criticize prominent religious leaders.
“Adama has a significant amount of influence on the police, as they help him draft and vet petitions to violate the rights of young people using social media to express their views freely,” Sowore said.
He alleged that on the day of the incident, Adama had targeted a podcaster identified as @KAATRUTHS, but the activist’s intervention helped secure the individual’s release on bail.
Sowore also referenced previous cases allegedly linked to Adama, including the prolonged detention of the Eneche brothers—reportedly on behalf of Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis Church—and the repeated arrest of social media personality Olumide Ogunsanwo (@seaking303).
“What is bizarre about his connivance with these @policeng officers is that he is used to persecute people as a ‘nominal complainant’ when his victims haven’t committed any infractions against him as a person,” Sowore added.
He noted that while the altercation did not result in new detentions, he believes the police continue to harass outspoken individuals behind the scenes.
Interestingly, Sowore acknowledged that Adama is planning a public protest this week, a move he welcomed as a legitimate right under Nigeria’s democratic framework. “He is entitled to these rights just as others expressing their views about his benefactors are within their rights to do so,” he stated.
Sowore concluded by affirming that despite the efforts to suppress dissent, “the struggle to preserve the dignity of citizens cannot be stopped.”.CONTINUE READING
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