The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to immediately reinstate dismissed Inspector Adebisi Adenusi, restore all his rights and entitlements, and investigate allegations of abuse and prolonged unlawful detention during his incarceration.
In a letter dated August 14, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the civil society organisation urged the IGP to reverse Adenusi’s dismissal and restore his rank, seniority, salaries, allowances, and other accrued benefits.
According to RULAAC, Adenusi, who joined the Nigeria Police Force on May 1, 2002, was arrested in June 2025 after commenting on a private police WhatsApp group concerning the welfare of serving and retired officers.
The organisation said he suggested that officers consider industrial action following the circulation of a video showing the retirement benefits of a retired officer but deleted the message within minutes.
RULAAC stated that the inspector was arrested in Ekiti State, transferred to Abuja, detained at the Force Intelligence Department/Federal Investigation Department, and later dismissed from service on July 10, 2025, after an orderly room trial. Eight other officers linked to the WhatsApp group were also arrested but were later released, with some reportedly reduced in rank.
The advocacy group expressed concern that Adenusi remained in police custody for about 85 to 86 days after his dismissal. It alleged that he was denied access to legal representation, adequate medical care, and regular family contact, while also accusing the Investigating Police Officer, CSP Mahmoud D. Mohamed, of physically assaulting him.
RULAAC further claimed that the dismissed inspector developed bronchitis and hypertension-related complications during detention before he was transferred to the Muhammadu Buhari Police Hospital in Abuja. It also cited allegations that threats were made against his life while in custody.
The organisation noted that Adenusi was later arraigned before Magistrate Court 2 in Wuse, Abuja, on sedition-related charges linked to the alleged incitement of a police protest. However, it said the prosecution encountered significant legal challenges, with police counsel reportedly admitting defects in the charges during proceedings in March 2026 before the case was eventually discontinued.
RULAAC argued that the collapse of the prosecution raised serious concerns about the legality, fairness, and proportionality of both the disciplinary process and criminal proceedings instituted against the officer.
Among its demands, the organisation asked the IGP to review the orderly room proceedings, investigate allegations of torture and rights violations, probe the conduct of officers involved, ensure that discontinued charges do not affect Adenusi’s service and pension records, and protect officers from retaliation for lawfully expressing concerns about police welfare.
RULAAC maintained that while police personnel are subject to discipline, such disciplinary measures must comply with the Constitution and the Nigeria Police Act 2020, stressing that due process and respect for fundamental rights should apply equally to serving officers.
The organisation said reinstating Adenusi would not only provide redress to him and his family but also reinforce public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law
