THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has reversed sanctions against several officers of the Nigerian Police Force after reviewing multiple disciplinary cases against them.
In a statement on Sunday, October 19, the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said the commission deliberated on at least 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter during its plenary session.
Ani noted that the decisions were made to promote fairness and justice in the handling of police disciplinary processes.
One of the reinstated officers is, Ejiofor Grace Obiageli, an assistance commissioner of police (ACP), who was compulsorily retired following an incident that occurred on September 8, 2023, at the Old Netim Division in Akamkpa, Cross River State.
“The Commission approved her reinstatement from the date of her compulsory retirement and to be properly placed to be at par with her mates,” Ani added.
He added that the commission lifted the “severe reprimand earlier issued to ACP Muhammad Yunusa, reinstated CSP Ihekandu Okwuonu, and restored his rank, pending his official retirement date.
“The commission also freed ACP Muhammad Awwal Yunusa from a punishment of severe reprimand, restored the rank of CSP Ihekandu Allwell Okwuonu and reinstated him, but subject to his date of retirement.”
Ani stated that approval was given for an adjustment to the reinstatement date of Clement Awoyemi, a superintendent of police, while Bamiselu Oluwaseun, an assistant superintendent of police, Ahmed Monday, and Imoohi Doora were all reinstated.
He also disclosed that the commission dismissed the petitions against Bzigu Dali, a deputy inspector-general of police (DIG), describing the allegations of falsified records against him as baseless.
According to him, the commission nullified the warning letter issued to the officer since it did not originate from the commission, and also overturned the change of his date of birth from April 10, 1967, to April 10, 1966.
Ani stated that the PSC Chairman, retired Hashimu Argungu, assured that the commission remained committed to ensuring timely justice in all disciplinary matters. He added that officers found innocent of any wrongdoing should not have their careers affected by administrative lapses or delays.
“The Commission will henceforth ensure that pending disciplinary matters are treated with despatch so that those found culpable are made to face the consequences, while those exonerated are freed to continue with their career progression.
“The commission will not at any time impede the career progression of any officer who is not found guilty of any misdemeanour,” Argungu was quoted to.have said.
Ani announced that during its second plenary meeting on Thursday, the PSC approved the promotion of several officers, including the appointment of a new Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the elevation of a Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector-General.
Among those promoted were Omenihu Obinna, a superintendent of police, Bankole Olajide, deputy superintendent of police, and several officers confirmed as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP). ASP Adeyemi Adeola, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Task Force Chairman, was also promoted to DSP.
These promotions and reinstatements are part of the commission’s broader efforts to strengthen trust in its disciplinary system and address administrative injustices within the Nigeria Police Force — a move long sought by officers who have petitioned against unfair sanctions and flawed disciplinary actions – Ani said
Fatimah Quadri is a Journalist and a Fact-checker at The ICIR. She has written news articles, fact-checks, explainers, and media literacy in an effort to combat information disorder.
She can be reached at sunmibola_q on X or fquadri@icirnigeria.org