PSC Dismisses 18, Derobes 19 Erring Police Officers

By Ayodele Oni

As part of measures to sanitize the force, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of 18 senior police officers, among whom are ten Assistant Superintendents, four Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent.

Aside the dismissal, the affected officers have been recommended for prosecution by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police.

Additionally, the Commission approved rank reductions for 19 other senior police officers, comprising one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and thirteen Assistant Superintendents.

PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement on Friday, explained that these actions were part of the decisions made during the Commission’s final segment of its first Plenary Meeting in Abuja.

The cases reviewed by the PSC included 110 Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM) and 23 appeals and petitions, with 13 court judgments calling for compliance.

The statement further noted that the Commission had previously considered and approved recommendations regarding several promotion matters, which have been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) for implementation.

It also mentioned that other officers found guilty were given various penalties, 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 Plenary Meeting was chaired by Commission Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) and attended by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), Honourable Commissioner, and Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.

DIG Argungu stated that, moving forward, the Commission would address Police Disciplinary matters promptly to allow officers who are not found guilty to continue their career progression, while those found culpable will serve their respective punishments.

He also issued a warning, emphasizing that the Commission would not tolerate Police Officers becoming involved in civil matters such as land disputes, marital issues, and rent-related conflicts.

Argungu stressed that the courts should handle such issues, while the Police should focus on criminal matters and threats to life.