Police Officers challenge PSC’s retirement policy amid legal dispute
Police Academy alumni from Courses 33-35 strongly oppose the forced retirement orders.
They are demanding the immediate implementation of court-mandated recognition of their service dates, starting from their academy enrollment.
Moreover, this resistance directly responds to the Police Service Commission’s directive issued in February 2025.
This directive enforces retirement after 35 service years or upon reaching age 60, as outlined in Public Service Rule 020908.
The standoff highlights growing tensions between statutory retirement policies and judicial interventions affecting career timelines in Nigeria’s law enforcement sector.
Affected officers assert the policy contravenes NICN rulings (April 2022/February 2025) that established enrollment dates: Course 33 on June 10, 1994; Course 34 on August 6, 1996; and Course 35 on May 1, 2000.
The officers now urge immediate compliance with court-mandated service regularization amid escalating tensions over pension entitlements.
The court further directed that their service records be updated accordingly and that any premature retirements be reversed.
Despite this ruling, the officers claim that the PSC has failed to comply, denying them rightful ranks, promotions, and entitlements.
This non-compliance has led to frustration among the officers, who argue that they are being unlawfully retired based on enlistment dates rather than academy entry dates.
Legal Background and Court Proceedings
The legal battle began in 2021 when officers led by CSP Egong Egwu Egong, CSP Omeh Felix Okechukwu, CSP Paul Obot Umoh, and SP Galadima Bello filed Suit No. NICN/ABJ/281/2021.
The NICN ruled in their favor, declaring that their first appointment dates should align with their academy entry dates.
The court also ordered that the PSC’s decision at its 24th Plenary Meeting in September 2017—recognizing these dates—remains valid and binding.
The officers have accused the PSC of issuing a circular in contradiction to the court’s judgment.
According to their counsel, Adeleke Agbola (SAN), the circular insists on using commissioning dates instead of academy entry dates as the officers’ official appointment dates.
Agbola argued that this action constitutes contempt of court, as the judgment has not been appealed and remains enforceable.
In response, counsel for the PSC, Ade Adedeji (SAN), assured the court that steps were being taken to comply with the judgment.
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He stated that there was no pending appeal against the ruling and that the PSC had no intention of undermining the court’s decision.
The court has adjourned the matter to March 18, 2025, for a report on compliance or for hearing contempt proceedings against the PSC.
Officers Demand Immediate Action
After the recent court session, aggrieved officers urged the PSC to promptly implement the judgment. They demanded updated service records, reinstatement of unlawfully retired colleagues, and overdue promotions and benefits.
Furthermore, they warned that further delays constitute willful disobedience, risking legal consequences for the PSC and police leadership.
Additionally, the officers called on President Tinubu, IGP Egbetokun, and AGF Fagbemi to intervene immediately, ensuring compliance with the ruling to uphold justice under the law.
Broader Implications
This case highlights longstanding grievances among police officers from Courses 33, 34, and 35.
While colleagues in comparable roles secured appointments aligned with academy entry dates, these officers claim they face unfair exclusion.
However, their grievances persist as institutions delay justice.
This stagnation has deepened frustrations and fueled doubts about public institutions’ adherence to judicial rulings.
Consequently, trust erodes as deadlines lapse.
As the March 18, 2025 hearing approaches, Nigerian authorities must decide whether to implement court orders or confront contempt proceedings.
The court has mandated compliance by next month’s session, warning of contempt penalties after failing initial implementation deadlines.
Legal analysts emphasize urgent action, noting this standoff tests judicial authority amid public scrutiny of law enforcement accountability mechanisms.
Ultimately, accountability hangs in the balance.
The outcome could set a significant precedent for addressing similar disputes within Nigeria’s public service sector.
