Owolabi Odesanmi, a retired senior police officer, has shared the harrowing events that led to the loss of his leg while serving in the Nigeria Police Force. He expressed his dismay at being left to endure the consequences of an unjust pension system after sacrificing his health for his duty.

Odesanmi, who retired as a Superintendent of Police (SP), recounted his experience during a press conference held by the Retired Police Officers Forum under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

He revealed that he lost his leg while on duty at Tincan Island in Lagos during an operation aimed at capturing a suspected robber. The incident took place in the Apapa Wharf area when he and three other officers were in pursuit of a fleeing suspect.

Describing the traumatic event, Odesanmi stated that a trailer ran over his leg during the operation, leading to severe injuries that ultimately necessitated amputation.

With deep emotion, he spoke about his current condition and the difficulties he has faced since retiring, lamenting that his contributions to the nation have not been sufficiently acknowledged.

“My leg was amputated while I was actively serving this country. We were four officers chasing a robber at Apapa Wharf when a trailer ran over my leg. The injury was so severe that amputation was required,” he recounted.

His testimony was part of a larger movement by retired police officers advocating for the Nigeria Police Force’s immediate withdrawal from the Contributory Pension Scheme. The press conference featured remarks from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Raphael T. Irowainu (Rtd.), the National Coordinator of the Retired Police Officers Forum, who earnestly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enact the Police Pension Board Establishment Bill, commonly known as the Police Exit Bill.

The retired officers contended that police personnel encounter significant occupational risks similar to those faced by other security agencies that have already been exempted from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The forum stated that organizations like the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been exempted from the pension scheme due to the specific risks tied to their roles.

They argued that providing similar exemptions for police officers would create institutional equality, enhance morale within security forces, and show national gratitude for the officers who put their lives on the line to safeguard citizens.

Additionally, the forum set an 11-day deadline for President Tinubu, insisting that he approve the Police Exit Bill by June 19, 2026.

The retired officers pointed out that the National Assembly had approved the bill on December 4, 2025, and sent it to the President for approval on March 16, 2026.

Speaking to reporters, Irowainu referred to the proposed law as a significant chance for President Tinubu to resolve long-standing issues faced by police retirees.

He remarked: “If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu enacts the Police Exit Bill, he will be making one of the most significant security decisions in recent times, as it will restore institutional equality and enhance morale and collaboration among agencies.”

The forum also distanced itself from claims of a supposed five-member committee that is reportedly negotiating with the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) regarding alternative police pension arrangements.

Irowainu stated that retired police officers throughout Nigeria have not given any person or group the authority to negotiate any alternative that would replace their demand for a full exit from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He added: “After thorough discussions with retired police officers from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, I have been tasked to clearly state that retired police officers in Nigeria have neither authorized nor supported any negotiations aimed at substituting, weakening, compromising, or undermining our collective demand for a complete withdrawal from the PENCOM Contributory Pension Scheme.

“We believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, known for his fairness, bravery, and dedication to justice, will kindly approve the Police Exit Bill that has already been passed by the National Assembly and is now awaiting his signature.”

He further contended that keeping police officers in the Contributory Pension Scheme leads to inequalities among security agencies tasked with similar national duties.

“Our assurance is based on the undeniable reality that sister security and intelligence organizations, such as the Armed Forces, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), which carry out similar national security functions, are under the Defined Benefits Scheme and do not face the challenges and uncertainties linked to the Contributory Pension Scheme,” he stated.

“Thus, we respectfully request that Mr. President not be influenced by any narrative, representation, or supposed consensus suggesting that retired police officers have accepted any alternative arrangements instead of a complete withdrawal from PENCOM.”

He emphasized that the stance of retired police personnel across the country is unanimous.

“The voices of retired police officers throughout Nigeria are united, clear, and unmistakable. Our demand remains a complete exit from PENCOM. Nothing less,” he added.

The forum presented several key requests, including: Immediate presidential approval of the Police Exit Bill currently awaiting President Tinubu’s signature; Total withdrawal of the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

“Transition of serving and retired police personnel to the Defined Benefits Pension Scheme; Creation of a Police Pension Board similar to the Military Pension Board; and Settlement of all accrued pension rights and outstanding payments owed to retired police officers.

The retired officers cautioned that if their demands are not met by June 19, they will have no choice but to resume large-scale protests and mobilize again to the National Assembly.

“If our demands are not fulfilled by June 19, 2026, we will be forced to return to the National Assembly and escalate our fight for justice,” the forum declared.

Irowainu also mentioned that millions of retired police officers have been negatively impacted by what he referred to as an insufficient and poorly managed pension system.

-SaharaReporters

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