The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld the reinstatement of 455 senior police officers, dismissing an appeal filed by the Police Service Commission (PSC) against an earlier judgment that nullified their retirement.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the National Industrial Court, which held that the officers’ retirement was unlawful and did not comply with due process.
The suit was instituted by ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha and eight others, who challenged the legality of their disengagement from the Nigeria Police Force.
In its judgment of 30 September 2025, delivered by Justice R.B. Haastrup, the National Industrial Court ordered the immediate reinstatement of the affected officers and directed the payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances. The court also restrained the commission and the then Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, from taking further action regarding the retirements.
By affirming the lower court’s ruling, the Court of Appeal reinforced the finding that the retirement process failed to comply with established procedures, thereby upholding the officers’ right to remain in service.
The disputed retirements had generated significant controversy within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly concerning the interpretation of service records and dates of first appointment for officers in Cadet ASP Courses 18, 19, and 20.
Among those affected are senior officers, including AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Ben Igwe, and DCP Simon Lough.
Legal analysts say the judgment provides important clarity on longstanding disputes surrounding career progression and retirement procedures within the police force, with wider implications for employment rights and administrative due process across Nigeria’s public service.
Stakeholders have urged the current Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, and the Police Service Commission to comply promptly with the ruling, noting that decisions of the Court of Appeal are final in matters arising from the National Industrial Court.
The development is expected to influence broader HR practices within the public sector, particularly in reinforcing due process, employee rights, and institutional accountability.
