Inspector Adebiyi Adenusi, a 48-year-old police officer, has finally been granted bail by a Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse, Abuja, after enduring 86 days in detention. Adenusi, who was attached to the Ekiti State Police Command for 23 years, had been held at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) since June 23, 2025, following his arrest.

The charges against Inspector Adenusi were linked to sedition, stemming from a comment he made in a police WhatsApp group. His counsel, Barrister Samuel Ihensekhien, successfully argued for his bail application before Magistrate Ibrahim Okpe, who granted bail on liberal conditions.

Adenusi's ordeal began on June 18, 2025, after he commented in a WhatsApp group named 'Intelligence Information Unit,' created by Prince Emoruwa Olabode. Responding to a viral video about a retired police superintendent who received a mere ₦2 million as a retirement benefit, Adenusi suggested that officers consider embarking on a strike to demand better welfare for both serving and retired personnel. Although he promptly deleted the comment, a screenshot had already been taken and forwarded to higher authorities.

Shortly after, Adenusi was invited to the Ekiti State Police Headquarters, where he was arrested and subsequently transferred to Abuja, reportedly taken to the Inspector General of Police's (IGP) office. The incident led to the arrest of eight or nine other officers linked to the WhatsApp group, including three administrators. Identified officers included ASP Morawem Kingsley (Edo Command), Inspector Kaleb Daniel (Delta Command), Inspector Otamere Ewamade (23 PMF, Lagos), Inspector Fasoyim Ayodeji (also referred to as Fasoyin Ayodeji), Inspector Ologun Oreoluwa (Ogun Command), Sgt Raji Nifule (Ogun Command), Emoruwa Olabode (Ondo Command), and Inspector Adeleke Ramonu (Mopol 25, Abuja).

These officers were initially detained for 17 days and subjected to an orderly room trial. On July 10, Adenusi was formally dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force. While the other arrested officers had their ranks reduced and were released on August 4, 2025, Adenusi remained in custody for weeks even after his dismissal, culminating in a total detention period of 86 days before his bail was secured.

The prolonged confinement of Inspector Adenusi, particularly after his dismissal, has ignited concerns regarding due process and the treatment of officers who voice grievances concerning welfare. The welfare of police officers in Nigeria has long been a contentious issue, marked by reports of inadequate salaries, poor retirement benefits, and insufficient support for those injured or killed in the line of duty. Calls for reforms have intensified, with human rights activists like Omoyele Sowore joining retired officers in advocating for change. However, disciplinary actions taken against outspoken officers such as Adenusi raise fears of fostering a culture of silence within the Force.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that another officer, Inspector Akpata, arrested in connection with the same WhatsApp discussions, remains in custody. Additionally, a female officer reportedly lost her pregnancy while detained in relation to these events.