A Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse, Abuja, has granted bail to Inspector Adebiyi Adenusi, a 48-year-old police officer detained since June 23, 2025, at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) for a WhatsApp comment deemed seditious.
Inspector Adenusi, who until his arrest served with the Ekiti State Police Command, was arraigned before Magistrate Court 2 on charges of sedition linked to a police protest. His bail application was argued by his counsel, Barrister Samuel Ihensekhien, and heard by Magistrate Ibrahim Okpe, who admitted him to bail on liberal conditions.
The development comes after months of detention and mounting appeals from his family, who had decried the continued incarceration as unlawful and inhumane. SaharaReporters had earlier reported the family’s plea, highlighting the deteriorating impact of the prolonged detention on the officer and his loved ones.
Background of the Case
Inspector Adenusi’s ordeal began in June 2025 after he commented in a police WhatsApp group named Intelligence Information Unit, created by one Prince Emoruwa Olabode from Ondo State. On June 18, 2025, an officer identified as Rukevwe shared a viral video of a retired police superintendent who allegedly received only ₦2 million as retirement benefit.
In reaction, Adenusi suggested that officers consider embarking on a strike to demand better welfare. Though he later deleted the post, a screenshot was allegedly taken and escalated to senior police authorities. Shortly after, he was invited to the Ekiti State Police Headquarters, arrested, and transferred to Abuja, where he was interrogated at the IGP’s office.
Arrests and Disciplinary Action
Adenusi’s arrest was followed by the detention of eight other officers linked to the group, including three administrators:
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ASP Morawem Kingsley (Edo Command)
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Inspector Kaleb Daniel (Delta Command)
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Inspector Otamere Ewamade (23 PMF, Lagos)
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Inspector Fasoyim Ayodeji
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Inspector Ologun Oreoluwa (Ogun Command)
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Sgt. Raji Nifule (Ogun Command)
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Emomuna Olabode (Ondo Command)
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Inspector Adeleke Ramonu (Mopol 25, Abuja).
The officers were reportedly detained for 17 days, tried in an orderly room session, and handed various punishments. On July 10, 2025, Adenusi was dismissed from the Force, while the others had their ranks reduced but were released on August 4, 2025.
Significance of the Bail Ruling
Despite his dismissal, Adenusi remained in custody until his arraignment in Abuja. Legal observers describe his bail as a significant relief, not only for his family but also for wider concerns about freedom of expression within the Force.
Barrister Ihensekhien, his counsel, hailed the ruling as a vindication of due process and rule of law. He stressed that expressing concern over welfare issues should not be criminalised, especially in a democratic setting.
With bail now granted, attention will shift to the substantive trial, which could test the balance between discipline in the Force and the constitutional right to free expression by officers.
