Connect with us

News

Aggrieved Police Officers Demand PSC Compliance with Court Judgment on Appointment Regularization

Published

on

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

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE

Published

on

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE
 
By: Our Reporter

President Bola Tinubu has expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected by the recent terrorist attack by Boko Haram on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
 
The President mourns the loss of innocent lives, including military personnel, and those caught in friendly fire during the aerial interdiction of fleeing terrorists by the Air Force.
 
He describes the attack by the terrorists as a heartless assault on hapless citizens, urging Nigerians in Borno and elsewhere not to succumb to fear.
 
President Tinubu commends the military for their swift response, which led to the killing of scores of terrorists and their subsequent forced retreat.
 
He charges the military and other security agencies to work urgently to rescue those kidnapped by the terrorists.
 
Additionally, he directs the armed forces to intensify their efforts to protect civilians nationwide and prevent attacks on military installations in the North East.
 
President Tinubu prays for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attacks and friendly fire and extends his sympathies to their families and the Borno State Government.

PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACK IN NGOSHE, GWOZA LGA IN BORNO STATE

Continue Reading

News

Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style

Published

on

Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style

By: Bodunrin Kayode

The Borno State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently marked the 2026 World International Civil Defence Day with a weeklong series of activities, themed “Towards a safer society.”

A statement by the command’s spokesperson CSC Bulus James, stated that the celebration began with briefings and sensitization of staff on NSCDC’s critical roles in Crisis Management, Protection of Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Counter-terrorism, and VIP Protection.

On Thursday, 26th February 2026, officers and men, led by Acting Commandant DCC Obe Ndubuisi, embarked on a road match from the State Headquarters through the Kano Motor Park community and concluded at the headquarters, where the Acting Commandant delivered speeches on behalf of Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, including messages from the Commandant General and the State Commandant.

On the 27th February, 2026, Muslim faithfuls gathered at Al-Ansar Masjid for Jumaat prayers, with ACG CBRNE Hameed Abudurin from NHQ Abuja in attendance as Special Guest of Honour.

He was also present at the Passing Out Parade (POP) of a joint special training program held at the Nigerian Police Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Training School, Maiduguri, in collaboration with UNMAS which offered him the opportunity to celebrate alongside the Muslim faithfuls.

Prayers were offered by the Chief Imam Borno State, and NSCDC. Worshippers expressed gratitude for NSCDC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and critical national assets.

This was followed by the grand finale at the NSCDC Glorious Chapel which held a special Sunday service at the Command’s multipurpose hall, attended by guests from sister security agencies on 1st March, 2026

Goodwill messages were delivered, followed by a keynote address from Commandant CC Ahmed Bello Gaya, delivered by Acting Commandant Obe Ndubuisi.

.DCC Paul Ochola delivered an exhortation on “Selfless Service to Humanity: Towards a Safer Environment.” The service concluded with pleasantries and a group photograph.

Borno State Command Celebrates 2026 World International Civil Defence Day in Grand Style

Continue Reading

News

Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents

Published

on

Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has commiserated with the people of Ngoshe affected by the recent Boko Haram attack, describing the incident as tragic.

Ngoshe, a community in Gwoza local government, was attacked on Tuesday evening, scores were killed, while others were abducted.

Addressing members of the community on Friday in Pulka, Governor Zulum said he personally came to sympathize with the affected people and families of those that lost their loved ones.

He assured that efforts are underway to rescue all those abducted, restore security, and provide humanitarian support to victims.

“We are here today to commiserate with the people of Ngoshe that have lost their loved ones following the unfortunate incident that occurred on Tuesday. The situation is very sad and our hearts go out to all those affected by this tragedy,” Zulum said.

“I want to assure you that we will do everything possible to address the unfortunate situation that has befallen this community, and for those who have been abducted, the Nigerian military will do everything within its capacity to rescue them,” Zulum assured.

Governor Zulum explained that military operations are currently ongoing in Ngoshe and the Sambisa Forest to rid the area of criminal elements.

“There are ongoing military operations within the Sambisa Game Reserve. What we witnessed yesterday was largely a result of insurgents being pushed out from their strongholds, which led them to launch coordinated attacks on nearby communities,” he explained.

He called on the Nigerian Army to intensify operations to clear insurgents from the Mandara Hills which he described as a major security threat.

“The Mandara Hills remain a major security concern. The insurgents descended from the hills to attack this town. Therefore, I call on the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to intensify efforts to clear Mandara Hills of insurgents,” Zulum said.

The governor noted that the exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed as assessments are still ongoing, but acknowledged that several lives were lost while others were abducted.

As part of immediate humanitarian intervention, the governor said the state government had begun distributing relief materials and establishing cooking points to provide food for displaced residents.

“For now, we will distribute food items to those affected and I have directed that cooking points be established so that everyone in this community can receive meals from a central kitchen,” he said.

The governor appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that Borno State government will double its efforts to end this madness. “We shall not relent in our commitment to restoring lasting peace and stability in the state,” he said.

“I strongly believe that with sustained military operations and cooperation between all levels of government, we will overcome this challenge. Insha Allah, peace will return fully to our land,” the governor added.

Similarly, Governor Babagana Zulum inspected houses burned during an attack by Boko Haram insurgents on Thursday in Konduga town.

Zulum Pays Sympathy Visit to Victims of Ngoshe Attack, Assures Rescue of Abducted Residents

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights