The Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken drastic measures against senior police officers found guilty of misconduct.
On Friday, the commission announced the dismissal of 19 senior officers, including 10 Assistant Superintendents of Police, 6 Deputy Superintendents of Police, 2 Chief Superintendents of Police, and 1 Superintendent of Police.
The dismissed officers were found guilty of “gross misconduct” in violation of established rules and regulations. Their dismissals were based on recommendations from the commission’s members following investigations into multiple petitions against the officers.
Additionally, 19 other officers were demoted, including one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents.
Two Assistant Inspector Generals (AIGs) were also penalized for failing to execute lawful instructions, with one receiving a reprimand and the other a warning letter for negligence of duty.
The PSC Chairman, Hashimu Argungu, emphasized the need for prompt resolution of disciplinary cases to ensure that innocent officers can continue their career progression while those found guilty face justice.
He also warned that police officers involved in civil disputes will face strict consequences.
The Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, who disclosed in a statement revealed that among the 19 officers whose ranks were reduced were 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).
He informed journalists that several other officers found culpable received various penalties, including severe reprimands, reprimands, and warning letters, emphasising that those dismissed would face prosecution by the police.
According to him, there are at least three pending disciplinary matters placed on hold pending further information from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Ani also indicated that the commission reviewed 23 appeals and petitions, as well as nine legal matters and court judgments.
“The Chairman of the Commission, Argungu, said the commission will henceforth consider police disciplinary matters with dispatch so as to free police officers who are not found wanting to continue with their career progression and those found culpable to serve their punishments.
“He warned that the commission will not spare police officers who indulge in civil matters like land disputes, marital issues and rent-related disputes.
“DIG Argungu said the courts should be allowed to do their duties while the Police should pay more attention to criminal matters and threats to life.”
