Police Misconduct Disciplinary Actions
Introduction
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken decisive steps to address unethical behavior within the force through police misconduct disciplinary actions, demonstrating its. commitment to accountability and professionalism.
PSC Dismisses 19 Senior Police Officers, Reduces the Ranks of 19 Others in Move to Curb Misconduct in the force
– Warns officers to operate within established rules and regulations
The Police Service Commission (PSC) concluded the last segment of its first plenary meeting in Abuja with far-reaching decisions on one hundred and ten (110) pending disciplinary matters and twenty-three (23) appeals and petition cases, including thirteen (13) court judgments requiring compliance.
Earlier, the Commission had reviewed and approved recommendations on several promotion matters, which have since been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.
The plenary meeting was chaired by the Commission’s Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd.), mni, with DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd.), fdc, and the Honourable Commissioner and Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, in attendance.
After rigorous deliberation on the pending disciplinary matters, the Commission approved the dismissal of nineteen (189) senior police officers, comprising:
• Ten (10) Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs)
• Six (6) Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs)
• Two (2) Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs)
• One (1) Superintendent of Police (SP)
The Commission also approved the reduction in rank of nineteen (19) senior police officers, including:
• One (1) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
• One (1) Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
• Two (2) Superintendents of Police (SPs)
• Two (2) Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs)
• Thirteen (13) Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs)
Additionally, two Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) received punishments: one was reprimanded for refusing to carry out lawful instructions, while the other received a letter of warning for negligence.
Several other officers found culpable were handed varying punishments, including severe reprimands, reprimands, and letters of warning.
Most of the dismissed officers will also face prosecution by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Three disciplinary matters were stepped down, pending further information from the Inspector General of Police.
The Commission also considered twenty-three (23) appeals and petitions, along with nine (9) legal matters/court judgments.
The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Argungu, emphasized that disciplinary matters will henceforth be handled expeditiously to ensure officers who are not culpable can progress in their careers, while those found guilty face appropriate sanctions.
He warned that the Commission would not tolerate police officers involving themselves in civil matters such as land disputes, marital issues, or rent-related disputes. DIG Argungu reiterated that courts should be allowed to handle such matters, while the police should focus on criminal cases and threats to life.
Ikechukwu Ani
Head, Press and Public Relations
Friday, December 6, 2024
