James Adama is facing backlash for allegedly helping police silence outspoken youths online.
Rights groups say he targets critics through petitions and ties to churches and security forces.
Concerns are growing across civil society over the controversial activities of James Adama, who identifies as the coordinator of a group known as the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF). Adama has recently been accused of playing a significant role in helping law enforcement suppress dissenting voices, particularly among outspoken Nigerian youth on social media.
Adama’s name surfaced prominently on April 26 during an incident at the Force Investigation Department (FID) office in Abuja. According to witnesses, he was actively involved in an attempt to facilitate the arrest of a well-known Nigerian podcaster operating under the alias “KaaTruths.” The podcaster, known for sharing unfiltered commentary on social and religious issues, was reportedly detained after a petition believed to have originated from Adama. However, following intervention by legal representatives and public pressure, the podcaster was released on bail the same day. The incident has since reignited public debate about the growing misuse of state institutions to stifle free expression.
Sources familiar with Adama’s operations allege that he frequently collaborates with members of the Nigerian police to draft petitions targeting individuals critical of religious leaders and government actors. These petitions have reportedly led to the arrest and prolonged detention of several citizens. Notably, the Eneche brothers, said to be critics of the Dunamis Church, were allegedly arrested following complaints believed to have been orchestrated on behalf of Pastor Paul Enenche. Another victim, Olumide Ogunsanwo popularly known as @seaking303 on Instagram was reportedly detained for months at the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) facility.
Adama’s repeated involvement as a “nominal complainant” has drawn particular criticism. In multiple instances, he is said to have initiated police action against individuals with whom he had no personal grievances, allegedly relying on his connections within both the religious and security establishments. Critics argue that this points to a troubling alliance between some prosperity gospel preachers and elements within the Nigerian police, effectively turning the legal system into a tool of intimidation.
Although public arrests appear to have decreased since the April 26 confrontation, reports of continued intimidation persist. Victims and their supporters allege that surveillance, veiled threats, and online harassment have replaced direct arrests as the preferred tactics of silencing dissent.
In an unexpected twist, James Adama is reportedly planning a protest in Abuja later this week. While every citizen has the constitutional right to free speech and peaceful assembly, critics argue that Adama’s history of using those same rights to allegedly target and silence others renders his activism disingenuous. They point to the irony of someone accused of helping to clamp down on critics now seeking to express his own grievances in the public square.
Human rights observers have called on relevant authorities to investigate the claims surrounding Adama and his ties to both religious organizations and security agencies. They stress the need to ensure that the Nigerian police are not used as instruments of personal or institutional vendettas.
As Nigeria grapples with rising political tension and calls for reform, incidents like this highlight the urgent need for greater transparency, police accountability, and protection of civil liberties in the digital age.
