The Police Service Commission (PSC) has sanctioned the dismissal of 18 senior police officers, which include ten Assistant Superintendents, four Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent.
Additionally, the Commission has authorized the demotion of 19 other senior police officers, comprising one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and thirteen Assistant Superintendents.
Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesperson for the Commission, revealed this information in a statement issued on Friday, indicating that these suspensions are part of significant decisions made during the Commission’s recent Plenary Meeting held in Abuja.
The matters addressed by the PSC encompassed 110 Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM) and 23 appeals and petitions, including 13 court judgments requiring compliance.
The statement further highlighted that the Commission had previously reviewed and approved recommendations regarding various promotion matters, which have been communicated to the Inspector General of Police for execution.
Moreover, it was noted that several other officers found guilty received varying degrees of punishment, including severe reprimands, reprimands, and letters of warning.
“Most of the officers dismissed are also to be prosecuted by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Three pending Disciplinary matters were stepped down with a request for further information from the Inspector General of Police. The Commission also considered 23 Appeals and petitions and nine legal matters/court judgements,” the statement noted.
The Plenary Meeting was presided over by Commission Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), with the presence of DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), Honourable Commissioner and Secretary to the Commission, as well as Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.
DIG Argungu emphasized that the Commission will now address Police Disciplinary issues with urgency, enabling Police Officers who are exonerated to advance in their careers, while those found guilty will face appropriate penalties.
He cautioned that the Commission will take a firm stance against Police Officers who engage in civil disputes, such as land conflicts, marital disagreements, and rental issues.
Argungu asserted that the judiciary should be allowed to fulfill its role, while the Police should concentrate more on criminal activities and threats to personal safety.
