Alleged Misconduct: Police Commission Punishes 35 Officers

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday conveyed its approval for the dismissal of four senior police officers over allegations of misconduct.

The Commission also issued a “range” of disciplinary measures against thirty-one others in a similar vein.

A statement signed by the head, protocol and public relations, Torty Kalu, said the
decision was reached at the Commission’s plenary meeting held at its corporate headquarters in Abuja.

The release, however, failed to disclose the identities of the affected officers.

It reads in part: “The four dismissed officers were found culpable of gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct, and acts unbecoming of public officers.

“In addition to the dismissals, the Commission approved a range of disciplinary actions which affected multiple officers.

“Ten senior officers received reductions in rank: three Superintendents of Police were reduced to Deputy Superintendents of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police to Assistant Superintendents of Police, and five Assistant Superintendents of Police to Inspectors. Two officers were also compulsorily retired in the public interest.

“Other sanctions included severe reprimands issued to ten officers, reprimands to five officers, warning letters to three officers, and a letter of advice to one officer. In addition, seven officers were exonerated and cleared of wrongdoing.

It said Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu emphasised the Board’s zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline within the Nigeria Police Force.

“The current Board of the PSC under my watch will not condone any form of misconduct by police officers,” DIG Argungu stated.

“The Commission will continue to uphold discipline in the Force and match all forms of misconduct with commensurate disciplinary actions. We would also continue to encourage and motivate hard work for deserving officers through our established reward system”, Argungu was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, the PSC has reaffirmed its commitment to entrenching accountability, professionalism, and public trust in the Nigeria Police.