The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the dismissal of 19 police officers for serious misconduct, which violated the Commission’s established rules and regulations. This decision, made public on Friday, followed a plenary session held in Abuja under the leadership of Chairman Hashimu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police.
In addition to the dismissals, 19 officers were demoted for various offenses. Among those dismissed were 10 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), two Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and one Superintendent of Police (SP). These actions followed a thorough investigation into multiple complaints, all of which were carefully reviewed by the Commission.
PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani confirmed that two Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) were also penalized. One AIG received a reprimand, while the other was issued a warning for neglecting their duties.
The disciplinary measures extended to the reduction of ranks for 19 senior officers. These included one Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), two Superintendents of Police (SPs), two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and 13 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs). Furthermore, other officers who were found guilty received penalties ranging from severe reprimands to official warnings. The dismissed officers are now facing prosecution by the police.
Ikechukwu Ani also noted that three ongoing cases are currently on hold as the PSC awaits further information from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. In addition, the Commission has reviewed 23 appeals, petitions, and nine legal matters, including court judgments.
Chairman Argungu reiterated the PSCâs commitment to handling disciplinary cases efficiently. He emphasized that officers not found guilty would be allowed to continue their career progression, while those who violated the law would face appropriate consequences. He also warned officers involved in civil disputes, such as those relating to land, marriage, or rent, that these matters should be handled by the courts and not the police. The police force is urged to focus solely on criminal issues and public safety threats.
For more updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J19