FG Denies Plan to Arrest Opposition Figures, Dismisses ‘ADP4VIP’ Claims as Fake
The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it plans to unlawfully arrest, detain or prosecute opposition figures, describing the allegations as false, misleading and deliberately fabricated.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, said a document circulating online alleging the creation of a multi-agency task force to target opposition politicians was entirely fictitious.
The document claimed that the task force, allegedly operating under a programme tagged “ADP4VIP” (Arrest, Detain, Prosecute for Very Important Persons), was set up to target prominent opposition figures.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically states that it harbours no plans to unlawfully arrest, detain, or prosecute opposition figures,” Idris said. “There is no such programme as ‘ADP4VIP.’”
According to the statement, the document falsely alleged that a task force comprising the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU)—and allegedly coordinated by the Office of the National Security Adviser—was targeting opposition politicians, particularly members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), without due process.
The government described the claims as disinformation aimed at portraying lawful accountability as political persecution.
“The attempt by some opposition elements to frame lawful accountability as political targeting is a dangerous red herring, aimed at shielding so-called VIPs from answering to our national laws and anti-corruption agencies,” the statement said.
Idris said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains focused on economic reforms, tackling insecurity, expanding trade and restoring investor confidence. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional democracy, noting that Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of association and assembly.
“President Tinubu swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and its protections. He is a democrat with a long and positive record,” he said.
The minister added that under Tinubu’s leadership, law enforcement and judicial institutions are expected to operate independently and professionally, without political interference.
He also warned against the spread of misinformation as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
“With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, the public should anticipate an increase in fabricated narratives and political blackmail by actors who employ falsehood as a strategy for relevance,” Idris said, urging Nigerians to reject “the politics of distortion and division.”
While reaffirming Nigerians’ right to lawful political activity, the government noted that security and anti-corruption agencies retain the mandate to carry out their duties.
“As we draw the curtain on 2025 and step into a new year, this government will not be distracted by those invested in perpetual politicking,” the statement said. “Nigerians deserve continuity, progress and tangible results—and that is what the Tinubu administration remains committed to delivering.”
The denial follows allegations by opposition figure Najaatu Mohammed, who claimed that the Office of the National Security Adviser was coordinating a plan to arrest and harass opposition politicians. She, however, provided no evidence to support the claims.
