The Police Service Commission (PSC) says it will henceforth ensure that all pending disciplinary matters and appeals before it receive due and timely attention to guarantee justice for officers of the Nigeria Police Force.
This was part of the resolutions reached at the ongoing plenary meeting of the Commission held over the weekend at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, where 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter were conclusively decided.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission dismissed petitions against Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Bzigu Yakubu Kwazhi Dali, mni, over alleged falsification of his date of enlistment and other service irregularities. The petition, purportedly from anonymous concerned senior officers from Adamawa State, was described as frivolous.
The Commission further declared that a “warning letter” earlier issued to the DIG did not emanate from it and was therefore null and void. It also quashed the purported reversal of his date of birth from April 10, 1967, to April 10, 1966.
Similarly, the Commission reviewed the compulsory retirement of ACP Ejiofor Grace Obiageli, which followed the tragic events of September 8, 2023, at Old Netim Division, Akamkpa, Cross River State. After due consideration, the PSC approved her reinstatement from the date of her compulsory retirement and directed that she be properly placed in line with her contemporaries.
In other decisions, the Commission freed ACP Muhammad Awwal Yunusa from a punishment of severe reprimand, restored the rank of CSP Ihekandu Allwell Okwuonu, and reinstated him subject to his retirement date. SP Clement Awoyemi also received approval for the adjustment of his reinstatement date, while ASPs Bamiselu Oluwaseun, Ahmed Monday, and Imoohi Doora were reinstated.
Chairman of the Commission, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, mni, emphasized that the PSC would henceforth handle all disciplinary matters promptly. He noted that while officers found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate sanctions, those exonerated would not have their career progression hindered.
“The Commission will not, at any time, impede the career advancement of any officer not found guilty of any misdemeanour,” Argungu assured.
Meanwhile, at the opening of its second plenary session on Thursday, the Commission approved the promotion of several deserving police officers, including the appointment of a Deputy Inspector General of Police and the elevation of one Commissioner of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
Other promoted officers include SP Omenihu Obinna, Commander, Anti-Cult Unit, Abia State Command; DSP Bankole Olajide Joseph, Commander, Bank Guard, Lagos State Command; Ede Stella Ukamaka, serving at Police Hospital, Awka, Anambra State; Omeife Bethrand Emeka of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Nnamdi Nwoba, Officer-in-Charge of Surveillance, Ubakala Division, Abia State Command.
ASP Adeyemi Adeola, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of one of the Task Forces in Lagos State, was earlier promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
