Appeal Court upholds reinstatement of 455 retired police officers
The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld the reinstatement of 455 senior police officers whose retirement was previously nullified. The appellate court dismissed the Police Service Commission’s appeal, affirming the National Industrial Court’s earlier judgment. The officers, including AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Ben Igwe, and DCP Simon Lough, had challenged their retirement, calling it unlawful. Stakeholders are now urging compliance with the court’s directives.
What happened
- The Court of Appeal dismissed the Police Service Commission’s appeal against the reinstatement of 455 retired senior police officers.
- The National Industrial Court had previously ordered the immediate reinstatement of the officers and payment of their salaries and allowances.
- The appellate court’s decision also affects a separate appeal by the Inspector-General of Police and the Force Secretary, which was struck out.
- The retirements, carried out by the Police Service Commission and Kayode Egbetokun, sparked controversy within the Nigeria Police Force.
- Stakeholders are calling on the current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the commission to comply with the judgment.
