*Says they failed to voluntarily resign after new IGP’s appointment
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has executed the compulsory retirement of four Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) in a notable development that has garnered attention. The Commission, basing its decision on legal statutes and established regulations, made this announcement.
This decision was reached following the invocation of specific sections of the law, namely “Third Schedule, Part 1 M, Para A&B of the 1999 Constitution,” and further bolstered by “Section 6 of the Commissions (Establishment) Act 2001, para a, c, d, e, &f.”
The high-ranking officers who are affected by this directive include Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Jitiboh, Hafiz Inuwa, and Adeleke Bode.
The PSC’s official spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, conveyed this information through a statement.
The crux of the matter, according to the PSC, lies in the refusal of the aforementioned Deputy Inspectors General to tender their resignations following the appointment of their junior counterpart, Kayode Egbetokun, as the new Inspector General of Police.
This decision was made with the intention of ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the hierarchical integrity within the police force.
The action taken by the Police Service Commission not only highlights the importance of adherence to established regulations but also underscores the dynamics that are integral to the internal operations of law enforcement agencies.
The move, though significant, is part of the Commission’s efforts to uphold a structured and efficient functioning of the police force under changing leadership dynamics.
“In the wake of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on the 19th of June, 2023 by Mr. President, the Commission had expected in consonance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force that those DIGS who were seniors in rank prior to his elevation will voluntarily apply for retirement or elect to leave the Force.
“The Commission, having waited for ample time with no such application from any of them, took the decision to compulsorily retire them in order to uphold discipline which is the bedrock of the Force, and to discourage status reversal which is inherently inimical to the exercise of authority by the Inspector General.”
It also announced the appointment of four new senior police officers to replace the relieved DIGs.
See full press statement below:
PSC RETIRES DIGS DAN-MALLAM, JITIBOH, HAFIZ AND ADELEKE, APPOINTS SANI KA’OJE, SOKARI-PEDRO, AYUBA EKPEJI AND USMAN NAGOGO – decision to uphold discipline, discourage status reversal
The Police Service Commission in exercise of its statutory powers, pursuant to the Third Schedule, Part 1 M, para A&B of the 1999 Constitution, reinforced with Section 6 of the Commissions (Establisment) Act 2001, para a, c, d, e, &f, has compulsorily retired four Deputy Inspectors General of Police.
The affected DIGs are Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Ambakina Jitiboh, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa and Adeleke Adeyinka Bode.
In the wake of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on the 19th of June, 2023 by Mr. President, the Commission had expected in consonance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force that those DIGS who were seniors in rank prior to his elevation will voluntarily apply for retirement or elect to leave the Force.
The Commission, having waited for ample time with no such application from any of them, took the decision to compulsorily retire them in order to uphold discipline which is the bedrock of the Force, and to discourage status reversal which is inherently inimical to the exercise of authority by the Inspector General.
Accordingly the former DIGs have been mandated to Immediately proceed on compulsory retirement with effect from Friday, 25th August, 2023.The Commission appreciates their immense contributions and efforts towards peace and security of our country and also wishes them well in their future endeavours in retirement.
Similarly, the Commission also approved the appointment of four Assistant Inspectors General of Police to the rank of Deputy Inspectors General of Police which would be subject to ratification by the Board of the Commission to replace the retired DIGs.
The newly appointed DIGs who are without Pending Disciplinary Matters and/or without any serious medical conditions and health impairments were drawn from the same respective geo-political regions of the retired ones.
They are DIG’s Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje; Daniel Sokari – Pedro, Ayuba Ekpeji, and Usman Nagogo.
While congratulating them for their elevation to the enviable rank of DIGs, the Commission hopes that their appointment will add value and greater vigour to the efforts of the Nigeria Police in delivering on its mandate.
Ikechukwu Ani
Head, Press and Public Relations
Monday, August 28th 2023
