The Police Service Commission has reinstated several police officers earlier dismissed or punished, following a comprehensive review of disciplinary cases aimed at ensuring fairness and justice within the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement on Sunday, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani disclosed that the Commission deliberated on 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter during its recent plenary session.
According to Ani, among those reinstated was Assistant Commissioner of Police Grace Obiageli Ejiofor, who had been compulsorily retired over a September 8, 2023, incident at Old Netim Division, Akamkpa, Cross River State.
“The Commission approved her reinstatement from the date of her compulsory retirement and directed that she be properly placed to be at par with her mates,” Ani said.
He further explained that ACP Muhammad Awwal Yunusa was cleared of a punishment of severe reprimand, while Chief Superintendent of Police Ihekandu Allwell Okwuonu had his rank restored and was reinstated, subject to his retirement date.
“SP Clement Awoyemi also received approval for the adjustment of his date of reinstatement, while ASPs Bamiselu Oluwaseun, Ahmed Monday, and Imoohi Doora were all reinstated,” he added.
Ani revealed that the Commission dismissed petitions against Deputy Inspector-General Bzigu Dali, describing the allegations of falsified records as baseless and frivolous.
“The Commission, as the exclusive body on police discipline, declared the warning letter issued to the officer null and void since it did not emanate from the Commission,” Ani stated. “It also quashed the alteration of his date of birth from April 10, 1967, to April 10, 1966.”
Speaking during the plenary, PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to upholding fairness and transparency in handling police disciplinary matters.
“The Commission will henceforth ensure that all pending disciplinary cases are treated without delay,” Argungu said. “Officers exonerated of wrongdoing must not have their careers hindered by administrative lapses or unnecessary delays.”
He emphasized that the PSC would not tolerate any situation where innocent officers are unfairly punished or their promotions stalled.
In addition to the reinstatements, the Commission also approved promotions for several deserving officers, including the appointment of a new Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the elevation of a Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector-General.
Among those promoted were SP Omenihu Obinna, Commander of the Anti-Cult Unit in Abia State; DSP Bankole Olajide Joseph, Commander of the Bank Guard, Lagos State; and several others confirmed as Assistant Superintendents of Police such as Ede Stella Ukamaka of the Police Hospital, Awka, Omeife Bethrand Emeka of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja, and Nnamdi Nwoba, Officer-in-Charge of Surveillance, Ubakala Division, Abia State.
Also promoted was ASP Adeyemi Adeola, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of a Lagos State Task Force, who advanced to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
Ani said the decisions reflected the Commission’s ongoing effort to restore confidence in its disciplinary and administrative systems.
“The Commission is determined to correct past injustices and restore faith in the police disciplinary process,” he concluded.
