He was transferred to Abuja on June 23 and detained at the Federal Investigation Department (FID) cell at Force Headquarters, sources said.
Sources within the Nigeria Police Force have raised alarm over the continued detention of Inspector Adenusi Adebisi, a serving officer attached to the Ekiti State Command, after a comment he made in a police WhatsApp group.
Adebisi, who has spent over two decades in the Force since his enlistment in May 2002, has been in custody for more than two months following an order reportedly issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
Arrested Over Deleted WhatsApp Comment
According to multiple accounts, the incident began on June 21, 2025, when Adebisi commented in a police WhatsApp group called Intelligent Information Unit after a retired Superintendent lamented being paid only N2 million after 35 years of service.
Adebisi allegedly suggested that officers should go on strike to protest poor welfare, but deleted the comment within 20 minutes. However, a screenshot was said to have been forwarded to the IGP, who allegedly ordered his arrest the following day.
He was transferred to Abuja on June 23 and detained at the Federal Investigation Department (FID) cell at Force Headquarters, sources said.
Trial, Dismissal Recommendation and Threats
By July 10, 2025, a disciplinary panel had recommended his dismissal. But while other officers from different commands arrested in connection with similar comments were released on August 4 after their trials, Adebisi remained in detention.
Insiders told SaharaReporters that his Investigating Police Officer (IPO), identified as CSP Mahmood D. Mohammed, threatened him with death in detention and delayed his medical treatment when he developed bronchitis.
He was eventually taken to Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital in Abuja after days of illness.
“The IPO, CSP Mahmood D. Mohammed, transferred him to the Special Tactical Squad (STS) cell in Abuja, where he threatened that he would die in detention. Shortly afterwards, he fell ill,” one of the sources said.
“When officers on duty called him to take him to the hospital, he refused, saying that the IGP was aware and that even if he died there, nothing would happen.
“It was only four days later that he took him to Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital in Area 11, Garki, Abuja. By then, he had developed severe breathing difficulties due to bronchitis and only received temporary relief after the STS commander purchased an inhaler for him.”
Irregular Disciplinary Proceedings
Information obtained from officers familiar with the case suggests that the disciplinary process was inconsistent. The adjudicating officer, CSP Ikyaghako Matthew, initially announced Adebisi’s dismissal while exonerating five others.
However, the following day, the same panel reportedly recalled the officers, stating that directives from the IGP and DIG “A” compelled him to impose punishments on those earlier discharged.
Consequently, five inspectors were reduced in rank rather than dismissed, while others, including Inspectors Olabode Emoruwa and Adeleke Ramoni, were held for 43 days in cells with high-profile criminals before being demoted and released on August 20.
Heightened Fears and Court Transfer
Sources said that security around Adebisi intensified in recent days, with tinted vehicles and armoured cars reportedly stationed as senior officers held emergency meetings at the FID office.
“There are fears he may be whisked away to an unknown location,” one source said, adding that he is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Family in Distress
Meanwhile, associates of the detained officer say his wife and children have been left in hardship as he has remained cut off from family support during his detention.
“His wife and children are suffering because he did not make provision for them before the police brought me here,” one of the sources said.
Silence From Police Authorities
As of press time, police authorities have not issued any official statement addressing the allegations of prolonged detention, unequal treatment, or threats to Adebisi’s life.
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