PSC reinstates dismissed police officers

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reinstated several officers earlier disciplined by the Nigeria Police Force after reviewing a number of pending and concluded cases.

No fewer than 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter were deliberated upon during the commission’s plenary session.

In a statement on Sunday, the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said the decisions were driven by the need to uphold fairness and justice in the administration of police discipline.

Among those reinstated was Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ejiofor Grace Obiageli, who had been compulsorily retired following an incident on September 8, 2023, at Old Netim Division, Akamkpa, Cross River State.

“The Commission approved her reinstatement from the date of her compulsory retirement and to be properly placed so as to be at par with her mates,” Ani stated.

Also freed from disciplinary action was ACP Muhammad Awwal Yunusa, whose punishment of severe reprimand was lifted. Chief Superintendent of Police, Ihekandu Allwell Okwuonu, also had his rank restored and was reinstated, subject to his retirement date.

The commission further approved the adjustment of the reinstatement date for SP Clement Awoyemi, while ASPs Bamiselu Oluwaseun, Ahmed Monday, and Imoohi Doora were reinstated.

Ani added that petitions against Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Bzigu Dali, were dismissed after the allegations of falsified records were deemed frivolous. The PSC, he said, declared the warning letter issued to the officer null and void and quashed the reversal of his date of birth.

The PSC Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, assured that the commission would continue to prioritise justice and fairness in handling disciplinary cases.

“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,” Argungu said.

He emphasised that the PSC would not allow administrative delays or procedural lapses to stall the careers of officers cleared of wrongdoing.

At the start of its second plenary meeting on Thursday, the Commission also approved several promotions, including the appointment of a new Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the elevation of one Commissioner of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General.

Those promoted included SP Omenihu Obinna, Commander, Anti-Cult Unit, Abia State Command; DSP Bankole Olajide Joseph, Commander, Bank Guard, Lagos State Command; and several officers confirmed as Assistant Superintendents of Police, such as Ede Stella Ukamaka of the Police Hospital, Awka; Omeife Bethrand Emeka of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Nnamdi Nwoba, O/C Surveillance, Ubakala Division, Abia State Command.

ASP Adeyemi Adeola, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of a Lagos State Task Force, was also promoted to the rank of DSP.