The Police Service Commission (PSC) said it is currently studying the court ruling on the reinstatement of some retired police officers.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the National Industrial Court, Abuja Division, had delivered judgement on the case involving 196 officers from Cadet ASP Force Courses 18, 19 and 20, who had been dismissed by police authorities.
The ruling followed Suit No. NICN/ABJ/28/2025, in which ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha & 7 Ors, had challenged their forced retirement from the police force despite neither completing 35 years of service nor reaching mandatory age of 60.
Notable officers affected included in AIG Idowu Owohunwa, CP Benneth Igweh, and DCP Simon Lough, SAN.
However, some sections of the media had interpreted the judgement to mean reinstatement of the officers, which the PSC disagreed with.
PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, said in a statement that, “the Commission wishes to inform the general public that it is fully aware of the recent judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria between ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha and ORS vs Police Service Commission and two ORS Suit No. NICN/ABJ/28/2025, which was delivered on the 30th day of September 2025 by Hon. Justice R.B Haastrup.
“…Nothing in the above decision of the court specifically orders the reinstatement of the officers as alleged or specifically mentions any other officer.
“The public should note further that the Commission is studying the decision of the court with a view to taking appropriate steps, including exercising its right to appeal.
“Furthermore, the commission notes with much concern that the officers specifically referred to in the news filed a separate suit before the same court, that is: AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Benneth Igwe, DCP Simon Lough vs Police Service Commission and seven ORS with Suit No. NICN/ABJ/88/2025, is challenging their retirement from the Nigeria Police Force, which is awaiting the attention of the court.
It is important to conclude this statement by restating that the Commission is a responsible organization with one of its cardinal principles as ‘obedience to the rule of law’, and it will not do anything to disparage the sanctity of the judiciary.”
