Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has strongly condemned the actions of security officials in Anambra State after a man was arrested simply because he “looked like a tout.”
Deji Adeyanju is a well-known Nigerian human rights activist and lawyer. He often speaks out against injustice and police abuse. This time, he took to social media to share the story and call out the authorities for their careless and unfair treatment of innocent people.
According to Adeyanju, this kind of arrest has become common in Nigeria. Many young men are often harassed, arrested, or even locked up without doing anything wrong. Police and task force officials sometimes act without evidence, using looks or appearance as an excuse to target people.
Adeyanju explained that the man arrested, named Ugochukwu Ukeje, is a trader at Onitsha main market. He was standing in front of his house when members of the Anti-Tout Squad arrested him along with four others. The officers didn’t find any crime, but claimed he looked like a tout. They took his phone, locked him in a cell, and then reportedly demanded ₦200,000 before they could release him.
The task force that carried out the arrest is said to be working under the orders of the state governor and led by someone named Igboeze. Adeyanju called the arrest unlawful and shameful, urging the government to take action against such abuse of power.
The incident has sparked anger online, with many Nigerians supporting Adeyanju’s call for justice. They are demanding an end to police and task force harassment, and asking that those responsible be held accountable.
