A group of disengaged Nigerian police officers, who have long struggled with the harsh realities of being forced into retirement without regard for their years of service, have taken an extraordinary step to seek justice. They have appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene and ensure the implementation of a National Industrial Court ruling that mandates their reinstatement into the force.
The officers, who belong to Police Academy Courses 33, 34, and 35, claim they were unjustly retired by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) despite having served the country for many years. According to their legal counsel, Olatoye Adejola, the officers have successfully obtained a court order that requires their reinstatement and the regularization of their dates of appointment.
However, despite the clear court directive, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has not complied with the judgment, leaving the officers in a state of confusion and frustration.
“Our clients were overjoyed when they received instructions to report to Abuja between August 12 and 16, 2024, for documentation,” said Adejola, speaking on behalf of the officers. “We were hopeful that this would be the first step toward reabsorbing them into the force and restoring their salaries. But now, two months later, they are still left in the dark. No official communication has been made from the IGP’s office, and our clients are in complete disarray.”
Court Judgment: A Long-Awaited Victory
The officers’ legal battle began several years ago when they were unexpectedly retired from the police force without adequate notice or compensation. Their cases were eventually brought before the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, which ruled in their favor. The court judgment, rendered in Suit No. NICN/ABJ/281/2021, instructed the police authorities to regularize the officers’ dates of appointment and reinstate them to their former positions within the force.
Adeel Sulaimon, one of the affected officers, explained that while they were initially thrilled with the court’s decision, their optimism quickly turned to disappointment when they failed to see any action taken by the police authorities.
“The judgment was a beacon of hope for all of us,” Sulaimon stated. “But after going to Abuja for the documentation, we’ve heard nothing. We’re left to wonder if the authorities even care about the rule of law.”
The officers, many of whom have families and financial responsibilities, have been struggling ever since their forced retirement. They are calling for a resolution to their case so they can resume their duties and regain their livelihood.
A Desperate Appeal to President Tinubu
In their latest letter, the officers have turned to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to use his office to ensure the enforcement of the court order. The officers have appealed to Tinubu’s leadership, hoping that his intervention will prompt the IGP to act swiftly and without further delay.
“We are calling on President Tinubu to intervene in this matter, which has been dragging on for far too long,” Adejola stated. “The court has given its verdict, and it is within the President’s power to ensure that the IGP complies with the law.”
The officers are requesting that President Tinubu direct the IGP to expedite the process of regularizing their appointments and issuing their letters of posting, as well as restoring their salaries. They are also seeking a clear timeline for when they can expect to return to active service.
One officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed their frustration at the lack of progress: “We have been waiting for a response for months, and no one seems to care about our plight. The government needs to show that it values the contributions of its public servants, especially those who have dedicated their lives to serving in the police force.”
The Police Authorities: No Comment
As of now, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement regarding the officers’ petition or the court’s judgment. Attempts to reach spokespersons within the NPF for comment were unsuccessful.
However, legal experts believe that the police authorities may be stalling for reasons beyond the immediate scope of the case. Some speculate that there could be bureaucratic delays or political factors that are hindering the IGP’s compliance with the court’s directive.
“It’s not uncommon for such cases to take longer than expected, especially when there are institutional challenges,” said Kemi Adeyemi, a legal analyst who has been following the case. “But in this instance, the IGP’s silence is concerning, as it undermines the credibility of the judicial system.”
The Implications of the Delay
The officers’ situation is more than just a legal issue; it is a matter of personal hardship and public accountability. These disengaged officers, many of whom have spent years serving the nation in difficult and dangerous conditions, are now left to grapple with the consequences of an unresolved case.
Without their reinstatement, they are unable to resume their duties, which means their families continue to face financial uncertainty. The longer the delay, the greater the psychological toll on the officers, many of whom feel abandoned by the very institution they once served.
“It’s not just about the money; it’s about our dignity as Nigerian citizens and as police officers,” said one of the officers, visibly upset. “We dedicated our lives to keeping our country safe, and now we are left to suffer. All we want is to be reinstated and allowed to continue our service.”
The officers have vowed to continue their fight, exploring all available legal avenues to ensure that their rights are respected. In the meantime, they remain hopeful that President Tinubu will take swift action to resolve the matter.
