By Ebinum Samuel
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria Holden in Abuja, has ordered the reinstatement of the Course 18,19 and 20 officers that were illegally retired by the Nigeria Inspector General of Police, Police Service Commission, PSC, and the Force Secretary with immediate effect.
The Court in a suit no: NICN/ABJ/28/2025 brought before Justice R.B Hasstrup ordered the immediate reinstatement of the forcefully retired police officers.
It would be recalled that the litigants brought the suit through eight of their representatives, ACP Chinedu Emengaha, ACP Victor Chilaka, ACP Egwu Otu, CSP Sylvester Ebosele, CSP Sunday Okuguni, CSP Asuquo Inyang, CSP Kalu Chikozie and CSP Adetu Omoteso.
They alleged that they were unlawfully retired from service, without recourse to the due process of the law, stressing that they have not attained the mandatory retirement age.
Before the judgement, Justice R.B Hasstrup sets aside the three issues that were before the court for determination of the suit that were resolved in favour of the Claimants against the Defendants
“If the Court has the jurisdiction to entertain the suit. The substance of the Suit as it relates to the action of the Defendants via the Circular of 31st January 2025.
And the other was the act of the 2nd Defendant via the Circular of 2nd Defendant amounts to sitting on appeal on a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Thus the circular is hereby set aside. All the claimants are hereby entitled to the reliefs sought.
“The Court read it’s judgement and resolved all issues and prayers sought in favor of the Claimants.
“The Court has directed the Defendants to recall the Claimants to continue their service/ work accordingly.”
Reacting to the judgement, one of Lawyers name withheld said, “This is the first time I am seeing a number one Law Officer saddled with the responsibility of the enforcement of law and order aborting an already implemented court judgment to settle scores without any consequence, this is a clear demonstration of sabotage against the Nation Nigeria.
“This actions taken by Police Service Commission and the Police hierarchy is tantamount to a threat to National security.”