Outrage as Osun State Police Officers Asked to Contribute For Colleague’s Burial, Sowore Calls for Mass Protest

 

Tensions continue to rise within the Nigeria Police Force as fresh concerns over the treatment of officers surfaced this week. A recent directive from the Osun State Police Command has stirred anger and debate, prompting calls for protest over welfare issues and systemic neglect of police personnel.

A wireless message dated July 14, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner of Police Department of Finance and Administration (COMPOL DFA), reveals that officers across Osun State divisions have been asked to make financial contributions. These funds are intended to help transport the remains of the late Inspector Isaac Igboko from Gbongan in Osun State to his hometown of Akanu-Item in Bende Local Government Area, Abia State.

The officer reportedly passed away on June 24, 2025, following a brief illness while on duty at the Gbongan Division. His family, according to the internal police communication, approached the command seeking assistance to convey his corpse home for burial, in accordance with Igbo cultural rites.

Rather than provide direct institutional support, the police hierarchy appealed to officers to assist the grieving family through what it described as “voluntary donations.” The contributions are to be submitted to the Staff Officer Junior (SOJ) at the State Headquarters in Osogbo. The directive emphasized the importance of treating the request with utmost priority.

The circular read, “FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO CONVEY THE CORPSE OF LATE INSPECTOR ISAAC IGBOKO WHO DIED AT GBONGAN DIVISION ON 24/06/2025 X AFTER A BRIEF ILLNESS X TO ABIA STATE X IN VIEW OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUESTED BY THE FAMILY AND RELATIONS OF LATE INSPECTOR X TO CONVEY HIS CORPSE FROM GBONGAN TO HIS HOME TOWN X AKANU-ITEM IN BENDE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA X ABIA STATE X FOR BURIAL RITE AS CUSTOMS REQUIRED X THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DIRECTS X YOU ASSIST THE FAMILY THROUGH VOLUNTARY DONATION X REMIT DONATION TO STAFF OFFICERS JUNIOR (SOJ) SHQ OSOGBO X TREAT AS VERY IMPORTANT.”

This development has amplified concerns surrounding the welfare of officers, both serving and retired. The financial burden now expected of colleagues has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups and public commentators who view it as another sign of systemic failure within Nigeria’s security institutions.

Prominent activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore weighed in strongly, using his platform to call for immediate protest. Through a statement shared on his social media handle, he expressed deep frustration with what he described as the dehumanizing conditions endured by police officers.

He wrote, “Meanwhile, Nigerian police officers have to contribute from their meager salaries just to bury their fallen colleagues. This is exactly why the #PoliceProtest must go on! JULY 21st is the DAY! No Going Back!”

Sowore has been one of the leading voices demanding urgent police reforms, especially in areas of welfare, salary structure, pension disbursement, and death benefits. He insists that expecting officers to fund basic support like burial logistics only further exposes the institutional decay within the force.

Public reaction to the donation request has been mixed. While some argue that assisting a colleague’s family is a moral duty that reflects solidarity, others question why an organization as critical as the police force lacks provisions for such basic contingencies.

Multiple former officers have spoken anonymously, citing similar experiences where bereaved families were left stranded unless colleagues stepped in. According to them, this pattern is not new and highlights an entrenched failure to honor the service and sacrifice of police personnel.

The upcoming July 21 protest, championed by Sowore and supported by a growing segment of serving and retired officers, is expected to spotlight several unresolved issues. Organizers are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of welfare systems, prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, and an end to the neglect of officers in life and death.

While authorities have yet to comment on the looming protest, internal unrest within the police force appears to be reaching new levels. For many, the situation surrounding Inspector Igboko’s burial has become a symbol of broader dysfunction.

Unless systemic changes are made, critics warn that morale within the ranks will continue to decline. Officers expected to uphold law and order, they say, should not be reduced to funding funeral logistics due to a lack of institutional support.

As July 21 approaches, Nigeria watches closely to see whether voices long ignored will finally spark the change the force desperately needs.