RULAAC urges IGP to review dismissal of Inspector over WhatsApp comment

Stanley Ihedigbo

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Inspector-General of Police to urgently review the dismissal, prolonged detention, and ongoing prosecution of Inspector Adenusi Adebisi, describing the case as one marked by serious concerns over due process, fairness, and human rights violations.

In a formal petition and addressed to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, appealed for a comprehensive and impartial reassessment of the disciplinary actions taken against the officer.

Inspector Adebisi, who was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on May 1, 2002, has served in Oyo, Lagos, and Ekiti State Commands over a career spanning more than two decades.

The advocacy group argued that his long years of service make the circumstances of his dismissal particularly troubling and deserving of careful reconsideration.

According to the petition, the officer’s ordeal began on June 18, 2025, following a comment he made in a WhatsApp group composed of police personnel, where he reportedly expressed frustration over welfare challenges within the Force.

Although the message was later deleted, it allegedly triggered a chain of events that led to his arrest.

RULAAC stated that Inspector Adebisi was subsequently transported to Abuja under restraint and detained for approximately 85 days before being arraigned in court. During this period, the group alleged that he was subjected to physical abuse while in custody.

The organisation further claimed that the orderly room proceedings that followed resulted in his dismissal, even though other officers involved in the same incident were given lighter sanctions such as warnings or a reduction in rank.
“This raises serious concerns about fairness, consistency, and possible scapegoating,” the group said.

The petition also questioned the legality of the processes leading to his dismissal and prosecution, citing what it described as significant procedural lapses. Among these were the prolonged pre-arraignment detention, alleged denial of access to legal representation at critical stages, and claims that statements were obtained under pressure.

Of particular concern, according to RULAAC, is a confessional statement reportedly relied upon in the case, which it argued is inadmissible under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

The group noted that the law requires such statements to be recorded in writing and, preferably, by audio-visual means, and taken in the presence of a legal practitioner or other authorised representatives. However, it alleged that these safeguards were not followed in Adebisi’s case.

“As such, the statement is fundamentally defective and cannot be relied upon in law,” the petition stated.

RULAAC also highlighted developments in court, noting that at the last hearing on March 31, 2026, the prosecuting police counsel reportedly admitted to fundamental errors in the charges initially filed against the officer.
The advocacy group warned that continuing the prosecution under such circumstances could result in a miscarriage of justice.
While acknowledging the importance of discipline within the police force, RULAAC argued that such discipline must be administered in line with the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.

The group emphasised that the comment attributed to Inspector Adebisi was made in a moment of frustration over welfare and career concerns and did not lead to any operational disruption or act of mutiny.

Based on these grounds, RULAAC urged the Inspector-General of Police to order an independent and impartial review of the case, set aside the dismissal, and consider reinstating the officer or applying a more proportionate administrative sanction.

It also called for a thorough investigation into the allegations of ill-treatment during detention, with a view to ensuring accountability where violations are established.

In addition, the organisation requested a review and possible discontinuation of the ongoing prosecution, citing legal and procedural deficiencies.

“This case presents an opportunity to reinforce confidence within the Nigeria Police Force that discipline is administered with fairness, humanity, and adherence to the rule of law,” the petition stated.

RULAAC concluded by appealing for urgent intervention, stressing that Inspector Adebisi’s years of service and the surrounding circumstances warrant a compassionate and just reconsideration.