In a deeply emotional plea, retired Superintendent Prince Adetarami Festus Adegbehin has called on the Nigerian government, civil society, and compassionate citizens to intervene in his worsening medical crisis. Adegbehin, who served the Nigeria Police Force for 35 years, was involved in a severe accident on March 24, 2017, while traveling from Akwa Ibom to Abuja for an official assignment as Sector Commander of the IGP’s Special Taskforce on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering.
The accident, which occurred along Kabba Road in Kogi State, left him with life-threatening injuries that have required multiple surgeries and intensive care. Despite borrowing over ₦25 million for treatment, Adegbehin remains incapacitated, bedridden, and in dire financial straits.
“I blame myself for joining the Nigeria Police Force. By God’s grace, none of my children or my generation will ever join. Look at how I have become. I have been bedridden for three years and even vomit on my bed,” Adegbehin lamented in an interview with BBC Yoruba.
Human rights organization Africans for Human Rights International (AfriRights) has joined the call for urgent intervention, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigeria Police Force to take responsibility and provide the necessary support for the retired officer.
Adegbehin’s situation has sparked widespread concern, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the lack of institutional support for officers injured in the line of duty. His case highlights the broader issue of welfare and post-service care for security personnel who risk their lives for national service.