Don’t Beg for Criminals’ Release, Ex-Police Spokesman Warns Nigerians

By Margaret Abah

A former spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force and current Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Delta State, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has warned Nigerians against mounting pressure on security agencies to secure the release or pardon of suspected criminals.

Adejobi issued the warning in a post shared on his official X account on Monday, describing such interventions as shameful and detrimental to efforts aimed at combating crime and criminality in the country.

According to him, individuals who lobby security agencies to overlook crimes or release suspects are indirectly aiding criminal activities.

“I always maintain my stance and principles when it comes to fighting crimes and criminality. Don’t even bother to contact me, pleading for a criminal. It’s shameful, and it won’t work out well,” he wrote.

The senior police officer further stated that anyone seeking to influence law enforcement agencies to pardon offenders or ignore criminal acts should be regarded as complicit in criminality.

“Anyone begging and mounting pressure on the police and security agencies to release or pardon a criminal or overlook a crime is also a criminal,” he added.

Adejobi called on both security agencies and members of the public to remain steadfast in the collective fight against crime, stressing the need for a united front in tackling insecurity across the country.

“No two ways about it. We need to stand firm and remain resolute in curbing crimes and vices in our society, collectively,” he said.

His remarks come amid growing concerns over insecurity, including reports that terrorists have demanded the release of detained fighters in exchange for the freedom of an abducted retired Major General and school pupils from Oyo State.

The police chief’s comments have since generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the role of public influence in criminal investigations and prosecutions.