Police dismiss Inspector, detain him indefinitely over private WhatsApp message agitating improved welfare for police officers

A now dismissed police officer, Inspector Adenusi Adebisi, is reportedly being held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja since June 2025 following a comment he made on a WhatsApp group in support of improved welfare for police officers through strike.

Adebisi was a serving officer attached to the Ekiti State Command when he posted on a WhatsApp group of police officers about his support for strike to push for improvement in welfare of police officers. On July 10, he was dismissed by the police, yet still being held. RULAAC says that amounted to a case of double punishment.

According to RULAAC quoting credible reports, Inspector Adebisi, aged 48, was arrested and transferred to Abuja after making – and later deleting – a comment in a private police WhatsApp group suggesting that officers consider strike action to demand improved welfare.

RULAAC says following his arrest, eight other officers were detained but later released after orderly room trials, but Inspector Adebisi remains the only one still held in solitary detention without any lawful basis.

An open letter to the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun signed by RULAAC’s executive director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, says Inspector Adebisi is being held in inhumane condition which led to him developing bronchitis while in custody which nearly led to his death before a belated hospitalisation.

Besides, RULAAC says a certain CSP Mahmoud D. Mohammed, had allegedly threatened him with death in detention.

RULAAC says the police have ignored the cry for help of his wife, Mrs. Adenusi Damilola, for the trauma and hardship inflicted on her and their children, who are deprived of their breadwinner.

RULAAC explains why Inspector Adebisi’s case matters. “This case is not just about one officer. It speaks directly to human rights, institutional integrity, and the morale crisis within the police. It reveals a troubling pattern where legitimate welfare concerns by officers are silenced with intimidation and persecution rather than addressed constructively.”

The CSO made the following demands: “In line with the Constitution of Nigeria, the Police Act 2020, and international human rights obligations, RULAAC demands that your office:

1. Order the immediate and unconditional release of Inspector Adenusi Adebisi from unlawful detention.

2. Investigate and hold accountable CSP Mahmoud D. Mohammed for threats, cruel treatment, and abuse of authority.

3. Provide protection and support to Inspector Adebisi’s family, now suffering hardship due to this unlawful detention.

4. Strengthen grievance redress mechanisms within the Nigeria Police Force to allow officers to raise welfare concerns safely and constructively.

5. Publicly assure Nigerians that under your leadership, the Police will uphold due process, human rights, and the rule of law – for both citizens and officers.

“The Nigeria Police Force cannot claim to protect citizens’ rights while violating the rights of its own officers. Such contradictions erode public trust and worsen morale within the Force.

“RULAAC urges you to act swiftly to end this injustice, restore respect for due process, and send a clear message that the Nigeria Police Force under your leadership stands for law, justice, and accountability.”