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Aggrieved Police Officers Demand PSC Compliance with Court Judgment on Appointment Regularization
Aggrieved Police Officers Demand PSC Compliance with Court Judgment on Appointment Regularization
By: Zagazola Makama
Aggrieved police officers from Courses 33, 34, and 35 of the Police Academy have kicked against any attempt to forcefully retire them from service and called on the Police Service Commission (PSC) to immediately comply with the judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), which ordered the regularization of their first appointment dates.
It would be recalled that the PSC at a meeting in Abuja earlier this month ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60.
The spokesman of the commission, Ikechukwu Ani, recalled that the Commission at its 24th Plenary Meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017, approved that the Force Entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment.
The Commission revisited their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of a merger of service in the public service, and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii) which provides for retirement on the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.
“Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” Ani had said.
But the aggrieved officers argued that, Despite the April 19, 2022, ruling and subsequent reinforcement of the judgment on February 4, 2025, the officers alleged that the PSC has failed to implement the directive, thereby denying them their rightful ranks, promotions, and entitlements.
Recalled that in 2021, The officers, led by CSP Egong Egwu Egong, CSP Omeh Felix Okechukwu, CSP Paul Obot Umoh, and SP Galadima Bello, won a legal battle in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/281/2021, in which the court ruled that their first appointment date should be the date they entered the Police Academy, not when enlisted as recruit constable.
The National Industrial Court, presided over by Justice O. A. Obaseki Osaghae, reaffirmed in its latest sitting that the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force must recognize the officers’ first appointment dates as follows: Course 33 – June 10, 1994, Course 34 – August 6, 1996, Course 35 – May 1, 2000
The court also ordered that: The decision of the PSC at its 24th Plenary Meeting regularizing the officers’ appointment dates remains valid and binding. The officers’ records must reflect their correct first appointment dates as per the court ruling. The premature retirement of some affected officers must be reversed, and they should be paid their full entitlements.
The PSC and the Police Force are restrained from unlawfully retiring officers of Courses 33, 34, and 35 before their actual due dates.
However, During a recent court proceeding, counsel for the officers, Adeleke Agbola (SAN), informed the court that the PSC had issued a circular contradicting the judgment by insisting that the officers’ first appointment date would be based on their commissioning date, not their academy entry date.
Agbola argued that this action amounted to contempt of court, as the judgment had not been appealed and remained binding on all parties. He urged the court to maintain the status quo and proceed with committal proceedings against the PSC for non-compliance.
In response, counsel for the PSC, Ade Adedeji (SAN), assured the court that the defendants intended to comply with the judgment, stating that there was no pending appeal challenging the ruling. He also noted that steps had been taken to post the affected officers accordingly and that the PSC had no intention of undermining the court’s decision.
The court adjourned the matter to March 18, 2025, for a report on full compliance or hearing of contempt proceedings against the PSC.
Following the court session, the aggrieved officers have urged the PSC to immediately implement the judgment, update their service records, reinstate unlawfully retired officers, and grant them their due promotions and benefits.
They warned that continued delay would amount to willful disobedience of a valid court order, which could lead to legal consequences for the PSC and police authorities.
The officers further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene and ensure that justice is served in line with the rule of law.
Background to the Dispute
The case dates back to longstanding grievances by police officers of Courses 33, 34, and 35, who argued that while their colleagues in similar categories had their appointments regularized, they were denied the same recognition.
The PSC is now asking for their retirement despite the National Industrial Court ruling which was disobeyed or delayed by the concerned authorities. This delays in implementation have left the officers frustrated and seeking further legal enforcement.
With the next court hearing scheduled for March 18, 2025, all eyes are on the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force to see whether they will comply with the judgment or face contempt proceedings.
Aggrieved Police Officers Demand PSC Compliance with Court Judgment on Appointment Regularization
NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE
By: Musa Yahaya
The Nigerian Army has bid a final farewell to the late Brigadier General Elias Fadda Zamani (Retired) on 15 March 2025, in his hometown of Zonkwa, Kaduna State. Late Brigadier General Zamani who was a member of the 14th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy passed away in Abuja on 27 February 2025, after a brief illness.
Born on 21 July 1952, in Zonkwa, Kaduna State, Brigadier General Zamani’s illustrious military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy, where he was commissioned into the Infantry Corps on 13 December 1975. He rose through the ranks, holding various command, staff, instructional, and extra-regimental appointments, before he voluntarily retired on 31 May 2006, after over three decades of distinguished service in the Nigerian Army.
At the funeral ceremony, Major General Mayirenso Lander David Saraso, representing the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede NAM, described Brigadier General Zamani as a highly trained and disciplined professional soldier. He highlighted the late general’s exceptional leadership traits, professionalism, and commitment to duty, earned or exhibited during his attendance of various military courses in Nigeria and abroad.
The COAS further eulogized the late senior officer, describing him as a silent worker, a brilliant, resourceful, and self-assured senior officer with impeccable integrity. He added that Brigadier General Zamani was a transformational leader and a true patriot, whose contributions to the Nigerian Army left lasting marks of excellence. His dedication to the welfare of his troops and the harmonious and cordial relationship with his colleagues were widely recognized, respected, and commended.
The solemn military ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Her Excellency, Mrs. Agyin Agbu Kefas, wife of the Executive Governor of Taraba State, senior military officers, coursemates of the deceased senior officer, family members, and friends, all gathered to pay their last respect to a man who dedicated his life to serving the nation.
NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
By: Michael Mike
Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs is in the country to explore avenues for deepening bilateral ties with Nigeria in the areas of healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange.
A statement on Sunday by the Acting Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Kimiebi Ebienfa read that: “Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes His Excellency, Mr. Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, on his official visit to Nigeria. This visit underscores the strong and cordial bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba, which have been nurtured over many decades of mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation.
“The sterling role played by both countries in the abolition of apartheid and in support of liberation movements as well as the actualization of independence for many African nations is the rallying point for the relations.”
According to the statement, the visiting Minister will hold a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar on Monday to explore avenues for deepening bilateral ties in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange. Both nations will also deliberate on enhancing collaboration within multilateral frameworks to address global challenges and promote sustainable development.
Part of the schedule lined up for the visiting Cuban Foreign Minister is the meeting with
Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima to deliver a special message from the Government of Cuba. He is also expected to engage in high-level discussions with the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Nigeria and Cuba are members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and Group of 77 plus China. Both countries share similar positions on numerous global issues, particularly on the advancement of global peace and security, new international order and sustainable development.
The statement said the visit of the Cuban Foreign Minister is a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reinvigorate Nigeria-Cuba relations and to foster greater South-South cooperation, noting that Nigeria remains committed to working closely with Cuba to advance shared interests and to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in our regions and beyond.
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS
By: George Okupe
The Nigerian Army paid its final respects to the Late Captain Keziah Godiya Ayuba, who was laid to rest with full military honours on Friday 14 March 2025, in her hometown, Sambon Gida, Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
In a heartfelt tribute, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede mni NAM, represented by the Commander 1 Division Supply and Transport, Brigadier General Philip Ebuk, described her as a dedicated officer whose service was marked by professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment to duty.
Born on 9 July 1987 in Shogunle, the Late Captain Ayuba hailed from Jaba Local Government Area, Kaduna State. She completed her education at Police Children School, Ikeja and Toamy Private College Egbe, before earning a Higher National Diploma in Public Administration from Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic. She was commissioned into the Nigerian Army on 3 July 2017 as a member of Direct Short Service Course 23.
Throughout her career, Late Capt Ayuba served in key roles, she was Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations at the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport and Staff Officer of Grade 3 Information and Publication at 81 Division Army Public Relations. She was also known for her leadership, discipline and dedication, earning the respect of her colleagues and superiors.
A highly trained officer, she completed several courses, namely the Young Officers’ Course (Public Relations), Media Operations Officers’ Course and Legal Aspects of Combatting Terrorism Course, excelling in all. She was widely admired for her intelligence, teamwork and mentorship, particularly among female soldiers. In recognition of her service, she was awarded the General Operations Medal. Until her passing, she remained a pillar of excellence in military public relations, known for her composure, eloquence and professionalism.
Describing her as a vibrant officer with exceptional capabilities, the COAS noted that she would be deeply missed by her family, the Nigerian Army and the Nation. As a final mark of respect, the military rendered a 21-gun salute and her Next of Kin was presented with the National Flag along with her military accoutrements.
THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS
NIGERIAN ARMY BURIES LATE BRIG GEN EF ZAMANI (RTD) IN ZONKWA, KADUNA STATE
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister in Nigeria to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
THE REMAINS OF LATE CAPTAIN KEZIAH GODIYA AYUBA LAID TO REST WITH FULL MILITARY HONOURS
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