Foremost women’s rights advocacy group in Nigeria, the Coalition for Women’s Rights and Social Justice, has petitioned the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL, the Nigeria Police Force, and relevant Canadian authorities, including the Canadian authorities responsible for extradition matters and the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, seeking the extradition of Canada-based, self-styled political commentator Jimmy Adekanle.
In the petition, the group accused Adekanle of misogyny, describing him as a serial attacker of widows and alleging that his online commentaries consistently target women in positions of influence. Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its Country Head, Dr. Nneka Nwachukwu, said Adekanle’s remarks against prominent female figures, including widows of public officials, had contributed to online harassment, public hostility, and emotional distress, stressing that the organisation could no longer remain silent in the face of what it described as a disturbing pattern of conduct.
The coalition specifically referenced what it described as his sustained attacks on the widow of the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, as well as the widow of the late Akingboye.
“He viciously attacked the widow of the late Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. He also targeted the widow of the late Akingboye, driving her to the point of severe emotional distress and depression, even after official police investigations had completely exonerated the woman and her family.” Dr. Nwachukwu said.
The group further expressed concern over Adekanle’s online broadcasts from Canada, alleging that his activities are capable of inciting public unrest and undermining national security.
“Adekanle sits comfortably in Canada while continually inciting the public against both state and federal governments in Nigeria. This is precisely how figures like Simon Ekpa started. We call on INTERPOL, international human rights watchdogs, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to critically investigate Mr. Adekanle’s activities. The group stated.
The coalition further urged security agencies to conduct a comprehensive audit of Adekanle’s social media platforms.
“Security agencies must audit his social media platforms to verify our position. Adekanle is actively brewing ethnic tension and public unrest through his posts. We view this as a systematic strategy by a sponsored political cabal, operating in a manner similar to Simon Ekpa and his cohorts.
“We have equally written formally to the appropriate social media platforms, including TikTok and Meta. Their community standards clearly frown upon some of the content JAF has been churning out, yet the platforms appear to have deliberately ignored repeated concerns raised about such content. This raises serious questions about their responsibility in allowing such material to remain online. Given the nature and persistence of his activities, we believe the relevant authorities should pay particular attention to his online platforms and thoroughly examine the content he has been publishing, particularly material capable of inciting hostility, harassment, or public unrest.
“Meanwhile, concerns about JAF’s mental health have been raised by different individuals for some time, yet they appear to have received little attention. Beyond the calls for accountability, we expect the relevant authorities to consider his history and any verified incidents that may be relevant to their assessment.” The group added.
The coalition said it expects the relevant Nigerian and Canadian authorities to review its petition in accordance with applicable laws and international procedures.