PSC reinstates sanctioned officers after reviewing disciplinary cases
The Police Service Commission has reinstated several police officers who were previously sanctioned, following a comprehensive review of disciplinary cases.
In a statement on Sunday, the PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said the commission reviewed 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter during its plenary session.
He explained that the decisions were taken to uphold fairness and justice in the administration of police discipline.
Among those reinstated was ACP Ejiofor Obiageli, who was compulsorily retired after an incident on September 8, 2023, 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 added that ACP Muhammad Yunusa was freed from a punishment of severe reprimand, while the rank of CSP Ihekandu Okwuonu was restored and he was reinstated, subject to his date of retirement.
“SP Clement Awoyemi also got the commission’s approval for the adjustment of his date of reinstatement, while ASPs Bamiselu Oluwaseun, Ahmed Monday, and Imoohi Doora were all reinstated,” Ani stated.
The commission also dismissed petitions against Deputy Inspector-General of Police Bzigu Dali, describing allegations of falsified records against him as frivolous.
“The commission noted that as the exclusive body on police discipline, the warning letter issued to the officer, which did not emanate from the commission, was null and void. It also quashed the reversal of his date of birth from April 10, 1967, to April 10, 1966, which was done via a signal,” the statement added.
The PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), promised that the commission would continue to ensure justice in all disciplinary cases, noting that officers cleared of wrongdoing should not have their careers stalled by administrative lapses.
“The commission will henceforth ensure that pending disciplinary matters are treated with dispatch so that those found culpable are made to face the consequences, while those exonerated are freed to continue with their career progression,” Argungu said.
“The commission will not at any time impede the career progression of any officer who is not found guilty of any misdemeanour.”
Ani also disclosed that, at the commencement of its second plenary meeting on Thursday, the commission approved the promotion of several deserving officers, including the appointment of a new Deputy Inspector-General of Police and the elevation of one Commissioner of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General.
Among those promoted were SP Omenihu Obinna, Commander, Anti-Cult Unit, Abia State Command; DSP Bankole Olajide Joseph, Commander, Bank Guard, Lagos State Command; and several others confirmed as Assistant Superintendents of Police, including Ede Stella Ukamaka of the Police Hospital, Awka, Anambra State; Omeife Bethrand Emeka of 45 PMF, Force Headquarters, Abuja; and Nnamdi Nwoba, O/C Surveillance, Ubakala Division, Abia State Command.
ASP Adeyemi Adeola, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of a Lagos State Task Force, was also promoted to the rank of DSP.
The reinstatements and promotions, Ani noted, are part of the commission’s broader efforts to restore confidence in its disciplinary processes and correct administrative injustices within the Nigeria Police Force.
Over the years, several officers have petitioned the PSC over what they described as wrongful sanctions, arbitrary punishments, and flawed disciplinary proceedings.
