Crime

Police Service Commission Demotes Assistant Commissioner, Dismisses 19 Officers for Misconduct

Published by admin on December 7th, 2024.

Police Service Commission Demotes Assistant Commissioner, Dismisses 19 Officers for Misconduct

Police Service Commission

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken decisive action against misconduct within the police force, approving the dismissal of 19 senior officers for various infractions. The dismissed officers include 10 Assistant Superintendents, six Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent.

In addition to the dismissals, 19 other senior officers, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents, have had their ranks reduced as part of the disciplinary measures.

Two Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) were also sanctioned. One received a formal reprimand for refusing to execute lawful orders, while the other was issued a warning letter for negligence.

Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC’s spokesperson, revealed these developments in a statement on Friday, explaining that the disciplinary actions were finalized during the commission’s most recent plenary meeting in Abuja. He added that several other officers faced varying levels of punishment, including severe reprimands, formal reprimands, and warnings.

“Most of the dismissed officers will also face prosecution by the Nigeria Police Force’s Legal Unit. Three ongoing disciplinary cases were postponed pending further information from the Inspector General of Police,” Ani noted.

The PSC also reviewed 23 appeals and petitions, alongside nine legal matters and court rulings. Additionally, 110 other disciplinary matters and 23 appeals with 13 pending court judgments were addressed during the session.

In remarks following the plenary, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), stated that the PSC would prioritize police disciplinary issues moving forward, ensuring that officers without fault can progress in their careers, while those found guilty face appropriate consequences.