Ondo Inspector Transferred to Abuja Over WhatsApp Message on Planned Police Protest

A Nigerian police inspector, Emoruwa Olabode, has been transferred from Ondo State to Abuja after allegedly sharing a WhatsApp message regarding a proposed nationwide police protest slated for July 21, 2025. The protest is meant to demand improved welfare for both serving and retired police officer.

Inspector Olabode, attached to the Idanre Police Station in Ondo State, was arrested on Friday, July 4, 2025, and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure. He reportedly posted a message in a WhatsApp group for police officers, where he serves as an administrator, discussing plans for the protest.

On Monday, July 7, he was escorted by a team from the Ondo State Commissioner of Police’s office to Abuja, escalating the crackdown on those suspected to be organizing the protest.

Two other WhatsApp group administrators identified as Otamere Ewamade (alias “Hero”) and Fasoyin Ayodeji had earlier been arrested in Lagos and transferred to the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja, where they have been detained for over two weeks without formal charges.

Sources within the police and rights advocacy circles view the arrests as an attempt by authorities to silence internal dissent and discourage agitation for institutional reform within the Nigeria Police Force.

The planned July 21 protest is centered on longstanding complaints from police officers about poor working conditions, delayed pensions, and the controversial inclusion of the Nigeria Police Force in the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Many retirees argue that the CPS has subjected them to years of economic hardship, with some suffering depression, financial ruin, and even premature death. They are demanding the creation of an independent Police Pension Board to manage their retirement benefits more humanely and effectively.

In a heartbreaking interview, Olabode’s wife confirmed his transfer to Abuja and expressed worry about the family’s wellbeing. She revealed that her child is critically ill, but her husband has been denied access to his phone and barred from sending money home for medical treatment.

“He was taken to Abuja this morning. Since Friday, he hasn’t been allowed to reach us. I called the IPO holding his phone, but they said they handed it over when he was transferred. My son is very sick, and we’ve been left stranded,” she said tearfully.

“Apart from Inspector Olabode, I was equally informed that Otamere Ewamade, aka Hero, and Fasoyin Ayodeji were also arrested in Lagos and taken to Abuja. They’ve been detained for the same reason.” – Police source

“My children are not well. My second boy is seriously sick. Since Friday, my husband hasn’t even been allowed to send money. They’ve held his phone and haven’t let me collect it.” – Olabode’s wife