PSC fires 3 senior police officers, demotes 16 others

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has endorsed the sacking of three senior officers of the force and demotion of sixteen others in connection with serious misconduct and conduct unworthy of officers of the law.

The PSC has also endorsed harsh reprimand for twenty-one officers and reprimand for two others, while three officers were cleared of any misconduct.

The decisions were reached during the commission’s plenary meeting held at its corporate headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

The meeting was presided over by the PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Salihu Argungu.

In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Njoku Kalu, the commission said the disciplinary decisions followed consideration of cases and appeals at departmental, committee and plenary levels.

The PSC also disclosed that some police officers who had previously been suspended were reinstated into the Nigeria Police Force.

Reaffirming its commitment to discipline and accountability in the police, the commission said it maintained zero tolerance for corruption, human rights abuses, interference in land and civil matters, and other forms of misconduct by officers.

Argungu assured Nigerians that the commission would continue to ensure the speedy resolution of disciplinary cases brought before it.

The PSC chairman also commended members of the commission’s Standing Committee on Discipline and Legal Matters, chaired by retired Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, for their work in reviewing the cases.

Other officials commended included retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, retired Justice Christine Dabup, Alhaji Abdulfatah Mohammed, Secretary to the Commission Onyemuche Nnamani and Director of the Police Discipline Department Ferdinand Ekpe.

The commission said their dedication and commitment contributed to the consideration of the disciplinary cases and appeals.

The latest action comes amid continuing concerns over police misconduct, corruption, human rights violations and abuse of power in Nigeria.

The PSC is responsible for exercising disciplinary control over members of the Nigeria Police Force, including decisions on appointments, promotions and dismissals, in line with its constitutional mandate.