LAGOS: A retired Nigerian police officer, Superintendent Prince Adetarami Festus Adegbehin, has tearfully appealed for help after becoming bedridden for over three years following an accident he suffered while on official duty.
In an emotional interview with BBC Yoruba, Adegbehin said he regrets ever joining the Nigeria Police Force, lamenting that the country he served faithfully has now abandoned him in sickness and poverty.
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 excrete on my bed, he said.
Adegbehin, who joined the police on April 1, 1986, and retired in 2021, said his ordeal began in 2017 while serving as a command officer in Akwa Ibom State.
According to him, he was involved in a serious road accident while travelling for a meeting called by the then Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris Kpotun.
I spent more than ₦9 million on treatment after the accident, yet I was not given any support by the Nigeria Police.
I became financially incapacitated and had to take several loans, he said.
He added that despite the physical and financial pain, he continues to suffer from lingering injuries sustained during his years of service.
The retired officer said his current state contrasts sharply with his years of bravery and commitment in the line of duty.
I defended this country with all my life. I have scars from bullet wounds to show for it. I faced armed robbers head-on.
But now, I’m left to suffer. See how the Nigerian government has repaid me, he lamented.
He revealed that his monthly pension as a retired Superintendent is just ₦47,900, while his gratuity was less than ₦3 million an amount he said has been exhausted on medical expenses.
Once Honoured, Now Forgotten
Adegbehin recounted that he once led a security team that protected the then U.S. Vice President during an official visit to Nigeria, an assignment that earned him international recognition from the U.S. government.
Despite such service, he said life has become unbearable:
Two of my children are at home because I can’t afford their school fees. I’ve borrowed over ₦25 million from banks. I’m begging the Nigerian government and kind-hearted Nigerians to help me.
The retired officer appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, and philanthropic Nigerians to intervene before his situation worsens.
I am suffering for serving my country faithfully. Please, let someone come to my aid, he pleaded.
