Justice Mohammed Danjuma, who delivered the lead judgment, held that the Police Service Commission (PSC) violated due process in compulsorily retiring ACP Idachaba. The judge ruled that the retirement breached his constitutional right to a fair hearing. The directive demanding salary reimbursement from August 1, 2015, was declared unlawful and unenforceable.

The decision followed an appeal filed by Idachaba’s legal representative, Chikaosolu Ojukwu SAN. The appeal challenged a National Industrial Court ruling from May 15, 2024, which had upheld the PSC’s action.

According to court documents, Idachaba was promoted to ACP in 2023. Shortly after, his salary was stopped, and he was compulsorily retired without being informed of any formal allegations. He was also denied access to the PSC plenary session records where the decision was allegedly made.

Ojukwu argued that the PSC’s actions contravened multiple constitutional and statutory provisions governing police service and disciplinary procedures. He also cited a 2023 Supreme Court decision (NPF & Ors v. PSC & Anor) confirming that the PSC cannot delegate disciplinary authority to the Nigeria Police Force or any third party.

The Appeal Court agreed with the arguments. It ruled the compulsory retirement invalid and ordered full reinstatement of ACP Idachaba, including all rights and benefits effective from August 18, 2023. Although the court dismissed his N100 million damages claim, it awarded him N2 million in compensation. The PSC and the Nigeria Police Force were ordered to pay the amount jointly.

This judgment marks a significant precedent. It emphasizes the importance of due process in disciplinary matters affecting senior police officers and reaffirms legal protections for public servants under Nigerian law.

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Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 16, Adebola Hamzat, has firmly stated that the Nigeria Police Force will not shield any officers implicated in land grabbing or human rights abuses.

Speaking in Port Harcourt on Thursday during a press briefing before delivering a lecture to officers, Hamzat emphasized that the Force, under Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, upholds a strict zero-tolerance policy for corruption, extortion, and other misconduct.

Hamzat highlighted that concerns about police-related corruption and rights violations were raised in conversations with community stakeholders.

“Corruption, extortion, and human rights abuses damage the public’s trust in the Police. I intend to address these issues directly with the officers here,” he stated.

Reiterating Inspector General Egbetokun’s commitment to reform, Hamzat urged citizens to report any officer misconduct, ensuring the public that all reports will be handled confidentially and that any officers found guilty will face sanctions.

“Land grabbing, human rights abuses, corruption, and extortion are absolutely unacceptable,” he affirmed. “The Police Force will not protect any officer involved in such acts. To demonstrate my commitment, I’ve made my personal number available, encouraging open communication,” he added, assuring the public that he is actively involved in addressing these issues.

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This was revealed in a statement issued on Saturday by the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani.

The postings, according to Ani, were made following the recommendation of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, CP Peter Opara, will take over the FCT Command, replacing CP Benneth Igwe, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and posted to Zone 7, Abuja.

READ ALSO: PSC Promotes FCT Commissioner of Police to Assistant Inspector-General

Ani highlighted that CP Peter Opara previously served as the Commissioner of Police at the Force Secretary’s Office and had earlier held the position of Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Finance at the Imo State Command. He has also served as the Personal Assistant to former PSC Chairman, ex-IG Mike Okiro.

Additionally, Ani noted that Opara is a law graduate from the University of Calabar and previously worked as a Liaison Officer at the Police Service Commission.

READ ALSO: Oyo State Government Bans Use of Styrofoam for Food Services

In a related development, the PSC approved the appointment of four substantive Commissioners of Police for the states of Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom on Friday.

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