‘They Ask Widows For Sex Before Paying Gratuity’: Retired Nigerian Police Officers’ Wives Cry Out At National Assembly

The wives of retired Nigerian police officers on Tuesday joined their husbands in a protest at the National Assembly, decrying the poor welfare conditions faced by their families.

They lamented that during their husbands’ years of active service, the officers were not provided with basic protective gear, such as bulletproof vests, and were often the first to be hit by bullets during operations.

The women, who marched alongside some retired officers and widows of those who died in service, said many families of fallen policemen had been abandoned without any form of assistance from the Nigeria Police Force or the government.

They also called on the Nigerian government to remove the police from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), describing it as a fraudulent system that has worsened the suffering of retired officers and their families.

One of the officers’ spouses said, “We are ready, and we are telling the National Assembly now; they should remove retired policemen from the pension scheme with immediate effect. It is our right. Let them give retired police officers their rights because the suffering is too much. Our children are suffering.

“When our husbands were serving, they had no bulletproof vests or protective gear. They were the first to be shot in any operation. And the widows whose husbands died have not been paid their gratuities.”

“Before they even call us to come and collect our husbands’ gratuities, they will demand to sleep with us or our children. You can imagine such wickedness. Why is the police authority so indifferent? Enough is enough. They should please answer us,” the protester said.

Earlier on Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported that human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore joined retired police officers and their wives to protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding the removal of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The protesting retirees and their spouses described the pension system as a “fraudulent arrangement” that has left them impoverished after decades of service to the nation.

They called for an immediate return to the defined benefits scheme, arguing that the CPS has denied them fair and adequate compensation.

Sowore, who stood in solidarity with the protesters, pledged his continued support until their demands are met.

He condemned the government’s handling of pensioners’ welfare, saying that those who served the country faithfully deserve dignity and comfort in retirement, not hardship.

“I’m not just fighting for the police; I’m fighting with retired policemen. You started this struggle, and I’ll continue to support you,” he said.

“The people holding your destinies in their hands must know that Nigerians will no longer keep praying while they suffer. One day, people will stop praying and take action."

The activist also criticised the political class for enjoying luxury and frequent allowances while retired officers and other civil servants struggle to survive.

He urged unity among all retirees across security and civil services, emphasising that the fight is not just for retired police officers but for all workers facing similar injustices under the CPS.

Sowore commended the retirees for their resilience and peaceful conduct, assuring them that their agitation would continue to draw national attention until meaningful reforms are implemented.

He said, "If those in power refuse to listen, one day the people will rise. When citizens are continuously mistreated, the government will eventually hear from them in a way they never expected. For too long, they’ve taken advantage of the people’s patience, believing Nigerians will always endure and pray rather than act.

"But one day, prayers will stop, and people will take action. That’s what I want you to understand. I’m not praying for you to merely get your time in office; I’m walking with those who will break free from those holding their destinies hostage.”

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