A Magistrate Court in Wuse, Abuja, has granted bail to Inspector Adebiyi Adenusi, a 48-year-old police officer who was dismissed and detained following a controversial comment he made in a WhatsApp group.
Adenusi, who had served in the Nigeria Police Force for 23 years, was arrested on June 23, 2025, and taken into custody at the Force Intelligence Department (FID). His detention followed remarks suggesting that officers consider going on strike to demand better welfare packages for both serving and retired personnel.
How It Started
According to reports, Adenusi’s ordeal began in a WhatsApp group named Intelligence Information Unit, created by one Prince Emoruwa Olabode from Ondo State.
On June 18, 2025, an officer identified as Rukevwe shared a viral video highlighting the plight of a retired superintendent who reportedly received only ₦2 million as retirement benefits.
In response, Inspector Adenusi suggested that police officers should consider a strike action. Although he later deleted the post, a screenshot had already been forwarded to higher authorities.
Arrest and Detention
Shortly after, Adenusi was invited to the Ekiti State Police Headquarters, where he was arrested and later transferred to Abuja. Upon arrival, he was taken to the Inspector-General of Police’s office, and later joined by eight other officers linked to the same WhatsApp group.
The detained officers included:
-
ASP Morawem Kingsley (Edo Command)
-
Inspector Kaleb Daniel (Delta Command)
-
Inspector Otamere Ewamade (23 PMF, Lagos)
-
Inspector Fasoyim Ayodeji
-
Inspector Ologun Oreoluwa (Ogun Command)
-
Sgt Raji Nifule (Ogun Command)
-
Emomuna Olabode (Ondo Command)
-
Inspector Adeleke Ramonu (Mopol 25, Abuja)
Dismissal and Trial Outcome
The officers were held for 17 days and tried in an orderly room session. On July 10, 2025, Inspector Adenusi was formally dismissed from the Force. The others had their ranks reduced but were released on August 4, 2025.
Despite his dismissal, Adenusi remained in custody until his family raised an alarm over his prolonged detention. His lawyer, Barrister Samuel Ihensekhien, filed a bail application, which was granted by Magistrate Ibrahim Okpe under liberal conditions.
Why This Matters
The case has sparked conversations around police welfare, freedom of expression, and internal disciplinary procedures within the Nigeria Police Force. Many believe Adenusi’s arrest highlights the risks officers face when speaking up about poor working conditions.
Jamflash Insight:
This incident reflects the growing tension between rank-and-file officers and the Nigerian Police hierarchy over welfare and retirement benefits. With rising costs of living and inadequate pensions, cases like Adenusi’s may continue to shape discussions on reform and police welfare in Nigeria.
Stay updated with Jamflash for more trending news and human-interest stories from Nigeria and beyond.
