April 15, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | News
In a landmark judgment that could reshape accountability within Nigeria’s police system, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld the reinstatement of 455 senior police officers, dismissing an appeal filed by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The ruling, delivered on April 14, 2026, affirmed an earlier decision of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which had declared the officers’ mass retirement unlawful and ordered their immediate reinstatement with full salaries and benefits.
The appeal—filed against ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha and others—was thrown out, effectively bringing closure to a legal battle that has lingered since 2025.
The controversy stemmed from the disputed retirement of officers from Cadet ASP Courses 18, 19, and 20 of the Nigeria Police Academy, a move widely criticised as arbitrary and unjust within policing circles.
Justice R.B. Haastrup of the NICN had earlier ruled on September 30, 2025, that the retirements violated due process, restraining both the PSC and the then Inspector-General of Police from further interference in the officers’ careers.
In a related decision earlier this year, the appellate court also dismissed a separate appeal filed by former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, describing it as lacking merit.
The mass retirement—carried out on January 31, 2025—had triggered outrage across the force, affecting top-ranking officers including AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Ben Igwe, and DCP Simon Lough (SAN).
Challenging the move, the affected officers approached the court, insisting the action was illegal and politically motivated. The court agreed, nullifying the retirements in full.
A three-man panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justices Okorowo, Banjoko, and Abang, delivered a unanimous judgment, reinforcing the NICN’s verdict and putting an end to the prolonged legal tussle.
Attention has now shifted to the current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the PSC leadership, with stakeholders demanding immediate compliance with the court’s directive.
Observers say the ruling sends a strong message about judicial authority, due process, and institutional discipline within the Nigeria Police Force.
Meanwhile, the case has also reignited conversations around past controversial retirements, including that of late DIG Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, whose reinstatement came only after his death—a development many have described as both tragic and avoidable.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on the police authorities to act swiftly and restore confidence in the system—by obeying the court and correcting what has now been firmly declared an unlawful action.
