The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, sitting in Abuja, has ordered the reinstatement of Course 18, 19, and 20 officers who were unlawfully retired by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Police Service Commission (PSC), and the Force Secretary.
In suit No. NICN/ABJ/28/2025, brought before Justice R.B. Hasstrup, the court declared the forced retirement of the officers illegal and directed their immediate reinstatement.
The litigants, represented by eight officers—Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Chinedu Emengaha, ACP Victor Chilaka, ACP Egwu Otu, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sylvester Ebosele, CSP Sunday Okuguni, CSP Asuquo Inyang, CSP Kalu Chikozie, and CSP Adetu Omoteso—argued that they were unlawfully retired without due process, despite not having attained the mandatory retirement age.
Justice Hasstrup nullified the decision of the PSC, setting aside the circular issued on January 31, 2025, which had formed the basis for the officers’ retirement. The court held that the PSC and other defendants acted outside their powers, amounting to sitting on appeal over the decision of a competent court.
“The circular is hereby set aside. All the claimants are entitled to the reliefs sought,” the judge ruled, resolving all issues in favour of the officers. The court further directed the defendants to recall the claimants to continue their service without delay.
Reacting to the judgment, one of the lawyers (name withheld) described the development as unprecedented, saying: “This is the first time I am seeing the nation’s chief law enforcement officer undermine an already implemented court judgment to settle scores without consequence. It is a clear act of sabotage against Nigeria. The actions of the Police Service Commission and the police hierarchy amount to a threat to national security.”
