Police Officers Drag IGP to Court Over Unimplemented Promotions

IGP Faces Lawsuit from 4,449 Police Officers Over Promotion Delays

“It has been the tradition between the NPF and the PSC, one that has received judicial endorsement from the Supreme Court...”

Over 4,400 Nigerian police officers have filed a lawsuit against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) over delayed promotions approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

At least 4,449 police officers have taken the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to court over delayed promotions. The officers claim that despite their promotions being approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC), they have not been formally assigned their new ranks.

The lawsuit was filed at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in Abuja, with the claimants' lawyer, Muka'ila Mavo, requesting that the court order the NPF and IGP to enforce the PSC's decision to promote the 4,449 officers. This development was revealed in a statement by Justice R.B. Haastrup, the judge presiding over the NICN.

The Nigerian Police Force has been facing several challenges, including institutional, structural, and financial issues. These challenges have affected the morale and effectiveness of police officers, with many facing difficulties in carrying out their duties.

Mavo contended that the commission's decision aligns with the provisions of Section 6(1)(a) of the Police Service Commission Act and Section 16(3)(a) of the Police Act, which govern appointments and promotions within the police force.

He said, “It has been the tradition between the NPF and the PSC, one that has received judicial endorsement from the Supreme Court, that the PSC is responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of all police officers, except for the IGP.”

The Nigerian Police Force's (NPF) counsel, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Isa Garba, declined to provide detailed comments on the case. Instead, he suggested that inquiries should be directed to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), who is better equipped to address questions regarding the case.

The case has been adjourned until Wednesday, December 18, for further hearing.