BREAKING: Seven Nigerian Police Officers Detained For Discussing Welfare Now Facing Mutiny Charges —DIG Tells Sowore

The Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, has disclosed that seven police officers recently arrested and detained for raising concerns about police pensions and welfare are currently undergoing trial for mutiny.

The disclosure was made during an encounter with human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, who attempted to visit the detained officers at the FID facility two nights ago 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 comes amid mounting discontent within the Nigeria Police Force over poor working conditions, unpaid entitlements, and lack of post-service security for retired personnel.

Inspector Bode Emoruwa and six other Nigerian police officers are being detained by the police over 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.

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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