The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the dismissal of 19 officers for “gross misconduct,” in violation of the Commission’s rules and regulations.
The dismissal of the officers announced on Friday was sequel to the decision made during the PSC’s plenary in Abuja, led by Chairman Hashimu Argungu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG).
The commission also downgraded the ranks of 19 other officers found guilty of various offenses.
The dismissed officers include 10 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), two Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and one Superintendent of Police (SP).
Their dismissal followed investigations into several petitions against them, which were reviewed by the commissioners.
PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, also revealed that two Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) were penalised for failing to carry out lawful orders.
One AIG received a reprimand, while the other was issued a warning for negligence of duty.
In addition, 19 senior officers had their ranks reduced.
These include 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).
Ani stated that other officers found guilty received various penalties, ranging from severe reprimands to letters of warning.
He also noted that the officers who were dismissed would face prosecution by the police.
Ani confirmed that three disciplinary cases are currently on hold pending further information from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Furthermore, Ani mentioned that the commission reviewed 23 appeals, petitions, and nine legal matters or court judgments.
Chairman Argungu emphasized that the PSC would handle police disciplinary matters swiftly to allow officers who are not found guilty to continue their career progression, while those found at fault would face appropriate consequences.
He also cautioned that officers involved in civil matters such as land disputes, marital issues, or rent conflicts would not be tolerated.
Argungu stressed that the courts should handle these matters, while the police should focus on criminal cases and threats to public safety.
