A Nigerian court has granted bail to Inspector Adebiyi Adenusi, a 48-year-old police officer who was arrested after he allegedly called for a strike among police personnel in a WhatsApp group.
The call was reportedly aimed at demanding better welfare packages for both serving and retired officers.
Background of the Case
The controversy began when Inspector Adenusi posted in a private WhatsApp group suggesting that police officers consider striking over poor welfare conditions.
Though he later deleted the message, a screenshot had already been circulated to higher authorities.
He was subsequently arrested by the Ekiti State Police Command and later transferred to Abuja. The accusation against him centers on disobedience or incitement, among other disciplinary concerns.
Legal Proceedings & Dismissal
* After his arrest, Adenusi was dismissed from the Force following a trial by an orderly room.
* Despite the dismissal decision, he remained detained for a total of 86 days before being granted bail. The delay in release has raised concerns about due process, especially since the case involves officers’ right to make statements about welfare.
The Court’s Bail Order
On September 12, 2025, the court granted bail to Inspector Adenusi. The exact bail terms (amount, conditions) were not disclosed in the initial reports.
Reactions & Issues Raised
Labour activists and human rights observers have criticized the police and judicial authorities, suggesting that Adenusi’s case reflects a larger trend of suppressing workers’ rights — even among law enforcement agents themselves.
Messages in WhatsApp groups, especially those discussing welfare, are increasingly treated as criminal or disciplinary offenses.
Supporters of Adenusi argue that calling for better welfare is not a crime, and that trade or union rights should protect officers from such punitive measures. Critics, however, contend that striking by police personnel could pose threats to public safety and order.
Legal & Constitutional Questions
The case raises questions about the freedom of expression and whether it is lawful for police officers to advocate for better working conditions, especially via private or semi-private communications such as messaging apps.
Also under scrutiny is whether the disciplinary and dismissal mechanisms followed respect proper procedure, including rights to a fair hearing.
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The balance between maintaining discipline within the police force and allowing personnel to speak on welfare is a legal and ethical tightrope.
Looking Ahead
Observers will be watching for:
1. The bail conditions and whether they restrict Adenusi’s ability to speak further.
2. How disciplinary bodies treat similar incidents in future — will there be consistency or selective enforcement?
3. Whether this sparks broader conversation about welfare, pay, support and recognition for police officers in Nigeria.
