BREAKING: IGP Egbetokun Orders Demotion Of Detained WhatsApp Group Admins Over Police Protest Post, Dismissal Of Officer Who Shared Message

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed punitive action against officers detained over their alleged involvement in the planned protest against poor salaries, welfare and the controversial police pension scheme, SaharaReporters has learnt

According to reliable sources who spoke Friday evening, the IGP has ordered that Emoruwa Olabode and five other officers, identified as administrators of a WhatsApp group used to mobilise officers should be demoted.

Sources also revealed that the officer who originally posted the protest message in the group is to be dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force with immediate effect.

Inspector Bode Emoruwa and six other Nigerian police officers are being detained by the police for raising concerns about police welfare.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported how Inspector Emoruwa, who was attached to the Idanre Police Station in Ondo State, was arrested by the authorities over a message allegedly shared in a WhatsApp group of serving officers, where he served as one of the group’s administrators.

He was taken from his station on Friday, July 4, and held in solitary confinement at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure before being transferred to Abuja.

According to sources, two other officers, Otamere Ewamade, popularly known as “Hero,” and Fasoyin Ayodeji, also administrators of the same WhatsApp group, were previously arrested and moved to the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, where they have remained in custody for over two weeks.

“The policemen being held in IGP detention over the protest against the police pension scam are crying out for help,” a police source told SaharaReporters.

“We heard that IGP Egbetokun has ordered that the administrators of the WhatsApp group—Emoruwa Olabode and five others—be demoted, while the officer who posted the protest message should be dismissed from the force immediately.”

“These are officers raising legitimate concerns about police pensions, and now they’re being punished for it,” the source said. “Instead of listening to their grievances, the IGP has chosen to silence them.”

Allegations of large-scale mismanagement and lack of transparency in the administration of police pensions sparked calls for the protest in question. Officers across the country have voiced concerns over poor benefits and the fear of financial insecurity after retirement.

Critics of the IGP’s reported actions have also questioned his continued stay in office. Egbetokun, who ought to have retired, has faced increasing scrutiny for overstaying his term as the nation’s top police officer.

“This is the same IGP who is supposed to have retired and ought not to be in the office after retirement,” a source said.

“Meanwhile, the policemen in detention because of the planned protest are crying out for help,” a source said.

Earlier on Friday, SaharaReporters reported that the Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, had disclosed that the detained police officers were undergoing trial for mutiny.

This was disclosed to human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, who had attempted to visit the detained officers at the FID facility two nights earlier alongside a team of lawyers.

Speaking to SaharaReporters, Sowore expressed shock over the severity of the charges, describing them as a deliberate ploy to suppress dissent and block the officers from accessing fair justice.

He condemned the police leadership for what he described as a vindictive approach to internal criticism, urging officers across the country to reject the charges and demand accountability instead.

The development came amid mounting discontent within the Nigeria Police Force over poor working conditions, unpaid entitlements, and lack of post-service security for retired personnel.

Police Refusal To Disclose Officers’ Whereabouts

On Wednesday, Sowore disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force had refused to reveal the whereabouts of the seven serving officers detained for mobilising support for the proposed nationwide police protest.

Sowore disclosed that he and A.K. Musa visited the Force Intelligence Department (FID) headquarters in Abuja to locate the detained officers after receiving a tip-off.

Upon arrival, they found the facility in complete darkness, an atmosphere he described as intentionally secretive.

He said attempts to engage with officers at the premises were met with evasive responses.

Sowore noted that the detained officers were picked up for allegedly discussing or supporting the upcoming protest scheduled for July 21, 2025—a movement that has gained traction among both retired and serving police personnel.

He added that, initially believed to be a minor protest by retirees, the police authorities were alarmed upon discovering that active-duty officers, including those of senior rank, were actively mobilising for the protest.

In response, several officers were swiftly arrested and held under undisclosed conditions.

At the FID, Sowore and Musa were told the officers had been transferred for an "orderly room trial."

However, their suspicions were confirmed when a Commissioner of Police, upon sighting them, directed staff not to divulge any information and promptly left the building.

Further efforts to contact the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge, AIG Aina, yielded no results, as he claimed he lacked the authority to intervene and failed to provide contact details for his superior despite promising to do so.

Sowore accused the police of illegal and unjust detention, stating the officers are being punished for advocating improved welfare, fairness, and dignity within the force.

He confirmed through sources that the officers remain resolute and are determined to see the protest through.

He vowed to continue demanding their release and stated that the #PoliceProtest would go on as planned, insisting that injustice within the ranks of the police force threatens justice nationwide.

The human rights activist said, "This evening, alongside Barrister Ak Musa, we set out to locate and visit seven police officers who were arrested and secretly brought to the Force Intelligence Department (FID) in Abuja. After receiving a tip-off, we arrived at the FID headquarters, only to find the entire premises was pitch dark, a clear sign that something was being hidden.

"From the moment we arrived, it was evident that the officers on duty had been instructed not to cooperate. Despite our efforts to inquire about the detained officers, the response was evasive. These men were reportedly picked up for allegedly sharing or discussing information related to the proposed #PoliceProtest scheduled for July 21, 2025. The movement is gaining historic momentum across Nigeria."

"At the FID reception, we were informed that the officers had been transferred elsewhere for an ‘orderly room trial.’ But the real intent became obvious when a Commissioner of Police (CP) on site saw us, called his subordinates aside, and ordered them not to disclose any information. He then exited the premises,” he said.

"We also attempted to reach the AIG in charge of FID, AIG Aina, who claimed he lacked the authority to grant us access and advised we contact his DIG. He promised to provide the DIG's contact, but never did, even after we left.

"We now know for certain that these officers are being held at FID under illegal and unjust conditions, simply for expressing interest in a protest that seeks better welfare, fair treatment, and dignity for all Nigerian police personnel.

"Our sources confirm that the detained officers remain in high spirits, determined and unwavering.

“We will not relent. We will continue to demand their immediate release, and the mobilization for the #PoliceProtest on July 21st will go on.”

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and that includes the Nigeria Police Force," he added.

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