February 25, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel | News
A fresh leadership shake-up is looming inside the Nigeria Police Force despite a landmark court ruling that declared the forced retirement of senior officers illegal.
The controversy resurfaced after human rights lawyer and academic Chidi Odinkalu drew public attention to the issue in a post on Wednesday, recalling a 2023 purge that followed the appointment of former Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun.
At the heart of the renewed debate is a historic judgment delivered in favour of the late Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, who challenged his compulsory retirement in court.
The Case That Changed The Narrative
Jitoboh was forced out of service in June 2023 at age 54 after the Police Service Commission cited a long-standing “tradition” of retiring senior officers when junior officers are promoted above them.
Refusing to accept the decision, he sued the Police Service Commission and the police at the National Industrial Court, arguing that his retirement violated statutory provisions governing public service.
In a landmark ruling delivered on January 13, 2025, Justice Osatohanmwen Obaseki-Osaghae declared the retirement illegal, unconstitutional, and void.
The court held that:
- No policy can override the Public Service Rules
- Senior officers cannot be retired before age 60 or 35 years of service
- The PSC lacked legal authority to enforce such “status reversal” practices
Although Jitoboh died on December 28, 2024 — just weeks before the judgment — the court still ordered:
- Payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances
- ₦50 million in damages for wrongful retirement
- Legal costs of ₦750,000
- Recognition that he remained a DIG until June 2029
Legal analysts note that neither the PSC nor the police appealed the ruling.
New IGP Appointment Sparks Fresh Fears
The issue has resurfaced following the appointment of Acting Inspector-General Olatunji Disu, who reportedly has only about 48 days before reaching retirement age.
Historically, such transitions often trigger mass retirements to preserve command hierarchy.
Sources within the force say an internal list already circulating indicates at least 29 senior officers — including multiple Deputy Inspectors-General and Assistant Inspectors-General — may be affected.
Among those reportedly facing possible retirement are:
- DIG Yahaya Abubakar (Finance)
- DIG Adebola Hamzat (Logistics)
- DIG Adebowale Williams (ICT)
- DIG Frank Mbah (Training)
Legal Storm Ahead
Observers say any fresh purge could ignite another legal battle, given the clear precedent set by the Jitoboh judgment.
Analysts warn that proceeding with compulsory retirements now may amount to ignoring a standing court decision — potentially exposing authorities to costly lawsuits and reputational damage.
As the police leadership transition unfolds, the unresolved tension between institutional tradition and constitutional law continues to cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s security hierarchy.
