The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly ordered disciplinary measures against several officers detained over their alleged involvement in planning a protest against poor police remuneration, welfare challenges, and the controversial pension scheme.
Chronicles Reporter learned from reliable sources on Friday that Inspector Emoruwa Olabode and five other officers, who served as administrators of a WhatsApp group used to coordinate the proposed protest, have been marked for demotion. The officer who allegedly shared the initial protest message in the group is facing immediate dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
Inspector Emoruwa, along with six other officers, is currently in detention for raising alarm over pressing welfare issues within the force. He was formerly stationed at the Idanre Police Station in Ondo State before being arrested on July 4. He was initially held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure and later transferred to Abuja.
Two other officers—Otamere Ewamade, known as “Hero,” and Fasoyin Ayodeji—who also served as group admins, were earlier detained and moved to the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja, where they have been held for over two weeks.
A police source revealed, “The IGP has ordered the demotion of Emoruwa and five others for their roles in the WhatsApp group. The officer who posted the protest message is to be dismissed outright. These officers were simply calling attention to the mismanagement of police pensions, yet they are being punished for speaking out.”
The protest that triggered the arrests was reportedly aimed at addressing concerns about lack of transparency and alleged corruption in the administration of police pensions. Many officers have expressed fear of retiring into poverty due to inadequate benefits and financial insecurity.
Criticism has mounted over the IGP’s decision, with some questioning his continued stay in office. “This same IGP should have retired by now. Instead, he is persecuting those raising genuine concerns,” another source remarked.
Earlier, Chronicles Reporter had disclosed that Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the FID, Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, confirmed the detained officers were undergoing trial for mutiny. He made this revelation to human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, who had attempted to visit the officers alongside a legal team.
Sowore, speaking to Chronicles Reporter, condemned the charges as excessive and targeted. He described the ongoing trial as an attempt to stifle dissent and deny the officers a fair process. He urged officers nationwide to resist what he termed a campaign of intimidation and demand accountability from the police hierarchy.
The development comes at a time of growing unrest within the police force over unpaid entitlements, deteriorating working conditions, and lack of post-retirement support. Sowore highlighted the secrecy surrounding the detentions, stating that police authorities refused to disclose the officers’ whereabouts.
On Wednesday, Sowore revealed that he and Barrister A.K. Musa had visited the FID headquarters in Abuja following a tip-off, hoping to confirm the location of the detained officers. They found the premises in complete darkness—an atmosphere Sowore described as intentionally opaque.
“We arrived at the Force Intelligence Department headquarters, but the entire building was pitch black. Clearly, something was being hidden,” he said. Their efforts to speak with staff were met with evasive responses. Sowore said the detained officers had been arrested for allegedly showing support for the upcoming protest scheduled for July 21, 2025, which is gaining significant momentum among both retired and serving officers.
Police authorities, shocked by the level of mobilisation—including from high-ranking officers—responded swiftly by arresting several individuals involved. Sowore and Musa were later told the detained officers had been moved for “orderly room trial.” However, their suspicions were confirmed when a Commissioner of Police, upon sighting them, instructed staff not to divulge any information and then exited the premises.
Efforts to speak with the Assistant Inspector-General in charge, AIG Aina, also failed. Aina claimed he lacked the authority to intervene and promised to provide the DIG’s contact, which he never did.
Sowore accused the police of unlawfully detaining the officers, stating they were being punished for advocating for better working conditions and dignity within the force. He affirmed the detained officers remain strong in spirit and committed to pursuing the protest.
“We’re not backing down,” Sowore insisted. “We will continue to press for their release, and the planned #PoliceProtest on July 21 will proceed. Injustice within the force is a threat to justice in the entire nation.”
He added, “Alongside Barrister Musa, we sought out the detained officers based on credible information. But everything about that facility screamed secrecy. From the dark building to the evasive responses, it was clear the police leadership didn’t want the truth out.”
“These officers are not criminals. They are police officers demanding what is right—better welfare, fair treatment, and dignity in service. We now know for certain that they are being held under unjust conditions at FID.”
He concluded, “They remain firm and undeterred. And so do we. Their release must happen. The struggle for justice within the Nigeria Police Force is not just their fight—it’s a fight for us all.”
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