The Police Service Commission (PSC) has concluded deliberations on 25 disciplinary appeals and pending matters at its ongoing Plenary Meeting held over the weekend at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, Abuja.
According to a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, a total of 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter were conclusively decided during the session, which formed part of the PSC’s renewed drive to ensure timely and transparent resolution of disciplinary issues within the Nigeria Police Force.
Among the cases considered, the Commission dismissed the petitions against Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Yakubu Kwazhi Dali, over allegations of falsified date of enlistment and irregularities in his service record.
The PSC described the petition, purportedly from a group of anonymous “concerned senior officers” from Adamawa State, as frivolous and lacking merit.The Commission further declared that the “warning letter” earlier issued to DIG Dali, which did not emanate from the PSC, was null and void, reaffirming its exclusive authority over disciplinary matters involving police officers.
The reversal of his date of birth from April 10, 1967 to April 10, 1966, through an internal signal, was also nullified.
In another key decision, the Commission reviewed and reversed the compulsory retirement of ACP Grace Ejiofor, who was earlier retired following the tragic events of September 8, 2023, at Old Netim Division, Akamkpa, Cross River State.
The PSC approved her reinstatement from the date of the compulsory retirement and directed that she be properly placed to align with her contemporaries in rank and service.
Similarly, ACP Muhammad Yunusa was freed from a punishment of severe reprimand; CSP Ihekandu Okwuonu had his rank restored and was reinstated, subject to his due date of retirement.
The Commission also approved the adjustment of SP Clement Awoyemi’s reinstatement date, while ASP Bamiselu Oluwaseun, ASP Ahmed Monday, and ASP Imoohi Doora were all reinstated.
Speaking on the outcome of the deliberations, the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), emphasized the PSC’s renewed determination to handle all disciplinary and appeal matters promptly.
“The Commission will henceforth ensure that pending disciplinary matters are treated with dispatch so that those found culpable face appropriate sanctions, while those exonerated can continue their career progression without delay,”Ani quoted Argungu as saying.
“At no time will the Commission allow any officer’s growth to be impeded when they are not guilty of misconduct.”
Meanwhile, the Commission, at the opening of its Second Plenary Meeting on Thursday, approved a series of promotions and appointments for deserving police officers. These include the appointment of a Deputy Inspector General of Police and the promotion of one Commissioner of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).Others promoted include SP Omenihu Obinna, Commander of the Anti-Cult Unit, Abia State Command; and DSP Bankole Olajide Joseph, Commander, Bank Guard, Lagos State Command.
The Commission also confirmed Ede Stella Ukamaka, serving at the Police Hospital, Awka, Anambra State; Omeife Bethrand Emeka of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Nnamdi Nwoba, Officer-in-Charge of Surveillance, Ubakala Division, Abia State Command, as Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs).
Additionally, ASP Adeyemi Adeola, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of one of the Lagos State Task Forces, was promoted to the next rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).Ani reaffirmed that the Police Service Commission remains committed to promoting fairness, discipline, and meritocracy in the Nigeria Police Force, while ensuring that officers’ welfare and career advancement are protected within the bounds of justice and due process.
