A leading civil society organisation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the “continued unlawful detention, degrading treatment, and denial of due process” meted out to Inspector Adebisi Adenusi, a serving officer of the Ekiti State Police Command.
In an open letter dated September 10, 2025, RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, alleged that Inspector Adenusi has been held in solitary confinement at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, since June 2025, despite being dismissed from service on July 10. The group described the prolonged detention as a “gross human rights violation” and a case of double punishment.
According to the letter, the 48-year-old officer was apprehended after allegedly posting a message in a private police WhatsApp group urging colleagues to consider strike action over poor welfare conditions. Although the post was deleted shortly after, the message reportedly triggered a clampdown. While eight other officers arrested in connection with the chat were tried and released, Inspector Adenusi remains the only one still in custody.
RULAAC disclosed that Adenusi had been denied access to his family, legal counsel, and proper medical care, leading to a bronchitis diagnosis that nearly claimed his life before he was hospitalised. The organisation alleged that there have been threats to his life while in custody and that attempts at intervention have been obstructed. His wife, Damilola Adenusi, has also reportedly spoken out about the emotional and financial toll the detention has inflicted on the family, lamenting that they have been left without a breadwinner.
RULAAC urged the Inspector-General of Police to immediately secure Adenusi’s release, investigate those behind his harsh treatment, and extend support to his distressed family. The group further advised the police hierarchy to establish fair and safe channels for officers to voice welfare-related concerns without fear of retaliation.
In a bold statement, RULAAC declared:
“The Nigeria Police cannot claim to defend the rights of citizens while trampling on those of its own officers.”
As of press time, the Force Headquarters had not issued a response to the allegations raised in the petition.
