Police Service Commission Demotes Assistant Commissioner and Dismisses 19 Officers for Misconduct
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken firm action against misconduct within the police force, approving the dismissal of 19 senior officers due to various infractions. The dismissed officers include 10 Assistant Superintendents, six Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent.
In addition to these dismissals, 19 other senior officers have received rank reductions as part of the disciplinary measures. This group includes an Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents.
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, announced 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 noted that several other officers faced varying levels of punishment, which included 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 stated.
The PSC also reviewed 23 appeals and petitions, alongside nine legal matters and court rulings. Additionally, they addressed 110 other disciplinary matters and 23 appeals with 13 pending court judgments during the session.
In comments made after the plenary, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), emphasized that the PSC will prioritize police disciplinary issues moving forward, ensuring that officers without fault can advance in their careers, while those found guilty will face appropriate consequences.