Concerns are mounting over the activities of James Adama, a self-styled “coordinator” of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), who has gained notoriety for his alleged role in aiding the Nigerian police in silencing young critics on social media.
On April 26th, I had a personal encounter with Adama at the Force Investigation Department (FID) office in Abuja, where he was reportedly coordinating efforts to detain another vocal Nigerian — the podcaster behind KaaTruths. Fortunately, that attempt was thwarted and the podcaster was released on bail, but the incident sheds further light on a troubling pattern.
Adama, who wields considerable influence within the security system, is known for collaborating with officers to draft petitions targeting outspoken youths. These actions, often allegedly funded by high-profile prosperity preachers, have already resulted in the arrest and prolonged detention of several individuals. Among those reportedly affected are the Eneche brothers — believed to have been detained at the behest of Pastor Paul Enenche of Dunamis Church — and Olumide Ogunsanwo, known on Instagram as @seaking303, who was held for months in IRT custody.
What makes these cases particularly disturbing is Adama’s frequent role as a “nominal complainant” — initiating police action against people with whom he has no direct conflict, allegedly leveraging his ties to powerful church figures and the police hierarchy.
Since the altercation at FID, open arrests have temporarily slowed, but subtle forms of harassment — including surveillance and threats — reportedly continue against outspoken citizens.
Now, in a twist of irony, Adama is organizing a protest in Abuja this week. While he, like every Nigerian, has the right to free expression and assembly, his track record raises pressing questions about the abuse of institutional power and selective enforcement of justice.
By: Omoyele Sowore
