DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: The Spokesperson Who Redefined Police Communication

DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: The Spokesperson Who Redefined Police Communication
By Dahiru Lawal

I was on a panel in Praia, Cabo Verde, speaking on curbing mis/disinformation, when a whisper reached me: the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had been removed.

My first instinct was disbelief. In this age of fake news—like the false reports of resignations by top public officials—I wondered if this too was another fabrication.

It was only later, during a cocktail dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, Ulisses Correia e Silva, that I finally checked my RSS feed. The headline read: “IGP Deploys FPRO Adejobi to Delta Command.”

The news brought clarity: Adejobi was not demoted but strategically redeployed as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Delta State—a security flashpoint wrestling with pipeline vandalism, kidnappings, and communal conflicts. For Adejobi, it was not a demotion but a significant elevation into a role where his skills in both communication and operations would be tested afresh.

For over three years, Adejobi served as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), a role he elevated beyond routine press briefings. He built bridges between the police and the people, fostering trust and transparency. Adejobi’s calm yet firm presence in the media space helped reposition the Nigeria Police as an institution willing to listen, reform, and be accountable.

Adejobi’s influence within the police hierarchy was unmistakable. Barely two months ago, in conversation with Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun during a meeting, I noticed how often the IGP referred to him: “Coordinate with Muyiwa on this, liaise with Muyiwa on that.” That level of reliance spoke volumes about Adejobi’s diligence, reliability, and expertise.

A month later during a visit to his office with PRNigeria’s Editor-in-Chief, Yushau A. Shuaib Adejobi welcomed us warmly and, for more than half an hour, discussed the future of crisis communication in the age of Artificial Intelligence. He was particularly proud of reforms such as the Police Podcast Studio and his anti-cultism campaigns—issues he had championed since his days as a student leader at the University of Benin.

Even in controversial times, he never shied away from hard truths. In October 2023, he openly condemned extortion by rogue officers at checkpoints, describing it as “pure corruption.” He consistently advocated transparency, media partnerships, and stronger accountability across the Force.

Among Adejobi’s lasting contributions was his role in revitalising the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation system. In mid-2023, the Inspector-General of Police directed the revival of the scheme, and Adejobi ensured it was transformed into a fairer, more inclusive platform.

Previously, commendations were almost exclusively reserved for arresting officers or commanders. Adejobi redesigned the framework to recognise every officer involved in successful operations, aligning it with Section 92 of the Police Act 2020. The new model encouraged teamwork, unity, and morale within the Force.

At the second edition of the awards in May 2025, Adejobi himself was honoured with a Special Achievement Award for reforming police communication strategies and strengthening public engagement. It was recognition that reflected not just his role as FPRO, but his broader vision for institutional transformation.

Appointed as acting FPRO on February 16, 2022, and confirmed two months later by IGP Usman Alkali Baba, Adejobi quickly became the face and voice of the Force. His performance earned him reappointment by IGP Egbetokun in August 2023—a rare vote of confidence across successive leaderships.

Adejobi’s career is distinguished by his dual expertise in both communication and policing. Before assuming the national FPRO role, he had served as spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command and held key operational roles, including Officer in Charge of Anti-Bank Robbery and Anti-Pipeline Vandalisation in Sagamu Division (2006–2008).

He also served as Administration Officer in Ogun State Command, Directing Staff at Police College Ikeja, and Personal Assistant to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations, at Force Headquarters. This blend of operational experience and communication mastery uniquely positions him to lead security operations in Delta State.

One of Adejobi’s quiet but impactful reforms was insisting that all Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) be certified members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). By doing so, he entrenched professional standards and discipline in police communication.

Under his leadership, the Force also embraced digital platforms, leveraging social media to counter misinformation, engage citizens, and project transparency. His outreach to civil society groups and media practitioners further reinforced public trust in an institution long dogged by suspicion.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi’s redeployment to Delta is more than a career shift; it is symbolic of a larger evolution in Nigerian policing. His journey reflects a recognition that modern law enforcement must integrate both hard and soft skills—operational strength and communication finesse.

Adejobi himself embodies this balance. A member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, and the Institute of Corporate Administration, his professional affiliations reflect his multidisciplinary approach.

As Adejobi moves to Delta, the mantle of FPRO passes to David Hundeyin, who brings his own experience from Lagos Command to Abuja. The task is not enviable—few roles are as demanding as being the voice of the Nigeria Police—but Adejobi’s legacy has set a high standard.

From my reflections in Praia, Cabo Verde, where the news first reached me, I can say with conviction: Adejobi did not just occupy the office of Force PRO; he transformed it. His tenure proved that communication, when handled with courage, professionalism, and empathy, can strengthen the foundations of policing.

The man has since justified the confidence reposed in him. His new assignment in Delta will test his mettle once again, but if history is any guide, he is equal to the challenge.

Dahiru Lawal is a mis/disinformation journalist leading fact-checking and special projects at PRNigeria. He writes from Praia, Cabo Verde via [email protected] and [email protected]

By Dahiru Lawal

I was on a panel in Praia, Cabo Verde, speaking on curbing mis/disinformation, when a whisper reached me: the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had been removed.

My first instinct was disbelief. In this age of fake news—like the false reports of resignations by top public officials—I wondered if this too was another fabrication.

It was only later, during a cocktail dinner hosted by the Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, Ulisses Correia e Silva, that I finally checked my RSS feed. The headline read: “IGP Deploys FPRO Adejobi to Delta Command.”

The news brought clarity: Adejobi was not demoted but strategically redeployed as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Delta State—a security flashpoint wrestling with pipeline vandalism, kidnappings, and communal conflicts. For Adejobi, it was not a demotion but a significant elevation into a role where his skills in both communication and operations would be tested afresh.

For over three years, Adejobi served as the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), a role he elevated beyond routine press briefings. He built bridges between the police and the people, fostering trust and transparency. Adejobi’s calm yet firm presence in the media space helped reposition the Nigeria Police as an institution willing to listen, reform, and be accountable.

Adejobi’s influence within the police hierarchy was unmistakable. Barely two months ago, in conversation with Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun during a meeting, I noticed how often the IGP referred to him: “Coordinate with Muyiwa on this, liaise with Muyiwa on that.” That level of reliance spoke volumes about Adejobi’s diligence, reliability, and expertise.

A month later during a visit to his office with PRNigeria’s Editor-in-Chief, Yushau A. Shuaib Adejobi welcomed us warmly and, for more than half an hour, discussed the future of crisis communication in the age of Artificial Intelligence. He was particularly proud of reforms such as the Police Podcast Studio and his anti-cultism campaigns—issues he had championed since his days as a student leader at the University of Benin.

Even in controversial times, he never shied away from hard truths. In October 2023, he openly condemned extortion by rogue officers at checkpoints, describing it as “pure corruption.” He consistently advocated transparency, media partnerships, and stronger accountability across the Force.

Among Adejobi’s lasting contributions was his role in revitalising the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation system. In mid-2023, the Inspector-General of Police directed the revival of the scheme, and Adejobi ensured it was transformed into a fairer, more inclusive platform.

Previously, commendations were almost exclusively reserved for arresting officers or commanders. Adejobi redesigned the framework to recognise every officer involved in successful operations, aligning it with Section 92 of the Police Act 2020. The new model encouraged teamwork, unity, and morale within the Force.

At the second edition of the awards in May 2025, Adejobi himself was honoured with a Special Achievement Award for reforming police communication strategies and strengthening public engagement. It was recognition that reflected not just his role as FPRO, but his broader vision for institutional transformation.

Appointed as acting FPRO on February 16, 2022, and confirmed two months later by IGP Usman Alkali Baba, Adejobi quickly became the face and voice of the Force. His performance earned him reappointment by IGP Egbetokun in August 2023—a rare vote of confidence across successive leaderships.

Adejobi’s career is distinguished by his dual expertise in both communication and policing. Before assuming the national FPRO role, he had served as spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command and held key operational roles, including Officer in Charge of Anti-Bank Robbery and Anti-Pipeline Vandalisation in Sagamu Division (2006–2008).

He also served as Administration Officer in Ogun State Command, Directing Staff at Police College Ikeja, and Personal Assistant to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Operations, at Force Headquarters. This blend of operational experience and communication mastery uniquely positions him to lead security operations in Delta State.

One of Adejobi’s quiet but impactful reforms was insisting that all Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) be certified members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). By doing so, he entrenched professional standards and discipline in police communication.

Under his leadership, the Force also embraced digital platforms, leveraging social media to counter misinformation, engage citizens, and project transparency. His outreach to civil society groups and media practitioners further reinforced public trust in an institution long dogged by suspicion.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi’s redeployment to Delta is more than a career shift; it is symbolic of a larger evolution in Nigerian policing. His journey reflects a recognition that modern law enforcement must integrate both hard and soft skills—operational strength and communication finesse.

Adejobi himself embodies this balance. A member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Society for Peace Studies and Practice, and the Institute of Corporate Administration, his professional affiliations reflect his multidisciplinary approach.

As Adejobi moves to Delta, the mantle of FPRO passes to David Hundeyin, who brings his own experience from Lagos Command to Abuja. The task is not enviable—few roles are as demanding as being the voice of the Nigeria Police—but Adejobi’s legacy has set a high standard.

From my reflections in Praia, Cabo Verde, where the news first reached me, I can say with conviction: Adejobi did not just occupy the office of Force PRO; he transformed it. His tenure proved that communication, when handled with courage, professionalism, and empathy, can strengthen the foundations of policing.

The man has since justified the confidence reposed in him. His new assignment in Delta will test his mettle once again, but if history is any guide, he is equal to the challenge.

Dahiru Lawal is a mis/disinformation journalist leading fact-checking and special projects at PRNigeria. He writes from Praia, Cabo Verde via [email protected] and [email protected]