The Police Service Commission, PSC, has approved the dismissal of 19 senior police officers, which comprised ten assistant superintendents, six deputy superintendents, two chief superintendents, and one superintendent for “gross misconduct,” in violation of the Commission’s rules and regulations.
The commission also approved the demotion of 19 other senior police officers, one assistant commissioner of police, one chief superintendent, two superintendents, two deputy superintendents, and 13 assistant superintendents.
The dismissal of the officers was announced on Friday sequel to the decision made during the PSC’s plenary in Abuja, led by Chairman Hashimu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG).
Their dismissal and demotion followed investigations into several petitions against them, which were reviewed by the commissioners.
The PSC’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, who disclosed this in a statement on Friday, said several other officers found culpable received different punishments, including severe reprimand and letter of warning.
Two Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) were penalised for failing to carry out lawful orders, one AIG received a reprimand, while the other were issued a warning for negligence of duty.
19 senior officers that had their ranks reduced includes one Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), two Superintendents of Police (SPs), two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and 13 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs).
He noted that the officers who were dismissed would face prosecution by the police.
Ani confirmed that three disciplinary cases are currently on hold pending further information from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Furthermore, Ani mentioned that the commission reviewed 23 appeals, petitions, and nine legal matters or court judgments.
Chairman Argungu emphasized that the PSC would handle police disciplinary matters swiftly to allow officers who are not found guilty to continue their career progression, while those found at fault would face appropriate consequences.
He also cautioned that officers involved in civil matters such as land disputes, marital issues, or rent conflicts would not be tolerated.
Argungu stressed that the courts should handle these matters, while the police should focus on criminal cases and threats to public safety.