Some 4,449 police officers have sued the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
They dragged the Police and IGP through the National Industrial Court, NIC, in Abuja, for their failure to decorate them with their new ranks long after their promotions had been approved by the Police Service Commission, PSC.
The gravamen of the aggrieved officers’ complaints was the refusal of the IGP to implement the decision of the 19th plenary of the PSC, which granted their promotions in accordance with the PSC Act.
When the suit came for hearing on Tuesday before Justice R.B. Haastrup, counsel to the officers, Muka’ila Mavo, prayed the court to compel the Nigeria Police Force and the IGP to implement the approved promotions without further delay.
Mavo cited Section 6 (1)(a) of the Police Service Commission Act and Section 16(3)(a) of the Police Act, stating that the referenced laws empowered the PSC to handle appointments, promotions, and discipline of police officers, excluding the IGP.
“The Supreme Court has also affirmed this position, granting judicial backing to the PSC’s authority over promotions and discipline within the police force,” Mavo argued.
Responding, the counsel of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Isa Garba, declined to elaborate on the matter, stating that the Force Public Relations Officer would be in a better position to provide details.
Justice Haastrup adjourned the case until December 18, 2024, for further hearing.
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