The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed three senior officers from the Nigeria Police Force for serious misconduct and behavior unbecoming of law enforcement personnel. In a statement issued in Abuja, the commission also announced the demotion of 16 other officers, severe reprimands for 21 individuals, and ordinary reprimands for two others found culpable of various disciplinary offenses.
Torty Kalu, the Head of Protocol and Public Relations for the commission, disclosed that these decisions were reached during a plenary meeting presided over by Chairman DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.) at the PSC headquarters. The disciplinary actions followed the review of specific cases and appeals brought before the commission, which holds statutory responsibility for exercising disciplinary control over police officers, with the exception of the Inspector-General of Police.
While sanctioning the majority of the cases reviewed, the commission exonerated three officers of the allegations against them. Additionally, several personnel who had been previously suspended were reinstated following a review of their respective cases.
Kalu stated that the commission remains committed to enforcing discipline and ethical standards within the Force. The statement highlighted specific areas of focus, including corruption, human rights abuses, unlawful interference in land disputes and civil matters, and other forms of professional misconduct.
“The commission would sustain efforts to strengthen accountability within the police system and ensure that officers entrusted with protecting lives and property conducted themselves in accordance with the law and established professional standards,” Argungu said.
Argungu reaffirmed the commission’s zero-tolerance policy toward such infractions, assuring Nigerians that disciplinary matters involving police personnel would continue to receive prompt attention. He also commended the members of the Standing Committee on Discipline and Legal Matters for their diligence in examining the cases and presenting recommendations for the plenary.
The individuals specifically acknowledged for their contributions at the departmental, committee, and plenary stages included the committee chairman, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (retd.); DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.); Justice Christine Dabup (retd.); Abdulfatah Mohammed; the Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani; and the Director of the Police Discipline Department, Ferdinand U. Ekpe.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
