Africans for Human Rights International (AfriRights), a human rights group, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Police Force to urgently intervene in the plight of retired police officer, Superintendent Adetiarami Adegbehin.
Superintendent Adegbehin got injured while still on active duty. The officer has been bedridden since 2017 following a severe accident while traveling from Akwa Ibom to Abuja.
Officer Injured During Active Service
Superintendent Adegbehin joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1986 and served the nation for 35 years. In March 2017, while traveling from Akwa Ibom to Abuja for an official briefing as Sector Commander of the IGP’s Special Taskforce on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering, he was involved in a devastating accident along Kabba Road in Kogi State.
The crash left him in critical condition and severely impacted his health and finances.
Long Medical Journey Without Police Reimbursement
According to AfriRights, medical personnel first rushed Adegbehin to Primus Specialist Hospital in Abuja. He was subsequently transferred to various hospitals including the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi; Reddington Hospital; Duchess International Hospital; LASUTH; and currently a trado-medical clinic in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Despite the seriousness of his condition and a total medical bill of over ₦25 million, the Nigeria Police Force has allegedly failed to reimburse him or provide support.
NGO Describes Officer’s Condition as “Heartbreaking and Unjust”
AfriRights, led by Comrade Dr. Afolabi Gbajumo, has described Adegbehin’s situation as “heartbreaking and unjust.” The NGO noted that despite his physical state, the retired officer remains mentally alert and could still contribute meaningfully to society at age 59—if given the chance to recover.
AfriRights cited their close collaboration with Adegbehin during his tenure at the Area F Command in Ikeja, Lagos. The officer, according to them, was known for his integrity, refusal to accept bribes, and unwavering dedication to justice.
He also used his influence and resources to mobilize community support to build or renovate police stations in Lagos, Ibadan, Sagamu, Badagry, and Ogba. Many of these buildings, as well as boreholes he constructed, remain in use today.
Recognized But Forgotten
Despite his many contributions, Adegbehin now lies in a modest clinic, struggling to afford care for injuries sustained in the line of duty. The retired superintendent was honored for his work by the U.S. Consulate, the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, and several traditional rulers and civil organisations.
AfriRights Calls for Urgent Government Action
AfriRights is calling for immediate intervention. The group wants the Federal Government to pay the outstanding ₦25.5 million in medical expenses and consider further assistance to help Adegbehin recover.
“This is not just about saving one man’s life,” said Dr. Gbajumo. “It’s about showing that Nigeria still values loyalty, selflessness, and service. It’s about sending a message to other officers that doing the right thing is not in vain.”
No Official Response Yet
As of the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor the Nigeria Police Force has issued an official response. But for AfriRights, the message is urgent and direct: rescue a national hero before it’s too late.
