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BREAKING: Police Commission Dismisses 19 Officers for Misconduct

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 6th, 2024.

BREAKING: Police Commission Dismisses 19 Officers for Misconduct

The Police Service Commission (PSC) announced on Friday the dismissal of 19 police officers for “gross misconduct” in violation of established rules and regulations.

The decision was made during a plenary session held in Abuja, which was chaired by Hashimu Argungu, the retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG). The meeting also saw the demotion of 19 other officers found guilty of various offenses.

Among those dismissed were 10 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), 6 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 2 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and 1 Superintendent of Police (SP). These actions followed an investigation into multiple complaints against the officers by the commission’s panel.

In a statement, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani revealed that two Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) had been sanctioned for disobeying lawful orders. One received a formal reprimand, while the other was issued a warning for negligence.

Additionally, 19 senior officers had their ranks downgraded, including 1 Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), 1 Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), 2 Superintendents of Police (SPs), 2 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and 13 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs).

Ani further stated that several officers faced various penalties, including reprimands and warnings. The dismissed officers will face prosecution by the police. Three disciplinary cases were postponed pending further information from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The PSC also reviewed 23 appeals and petitions, along with 9 legal matters and court judgments. Chairman Argungu emphasized that the commission would expedite police disciplinary proceedings to ensure that officers without misconduct can advance in their careers, while those found guilty face appropriate penalties.

He also warned that the commission would not tolerate police involvement in civil disputes such as land, marital, or rent issues, urging courts to handle such matters, while the police focus on criminal cases and threats to public safety.