PSC fires three senior officers, demotes 16, sanctions 23 others over misconduct – The Witness Nigeria

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of three senior police officers and demoted 16 others following disciplinary proceedings over alleged misconduct and violations of professional standards within the Nigeria Police Force.

The decisions were part of a wider disciplinary exercise that saw 42 officers sanctioned for various offences.

Apart from the three dismissals and 16 demotions, the Commission approved severe reprimands for 21 officers and ordinary reprimands for two others. Three additional officers were cleared of the allegations against them, while some officers who had previously been suspended were approved for reinstatement into the police force.

The decisions were reached during the Commission’s plenary meeting held at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, its headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was presided over by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.).

In a statement released on Wednesday, November 4, the Commission said the disciplinary measures were part of its efforts to strengthen accountability, enforce professional standards and address misconduct among police personnel.

PSC reiterates zero tolerance for police misconduct
Speaking on the decisions, Argungu maintained that the Commission would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public confidence in the police.

He specifically identified corruption, human rights violations, interference in land disputes and civil matters, as well as other forms of professional misconduct as unacceptable behaviour among officers.

The PSC chairman stressed that the Commission remained committed to ensuring that officers found culpable of misconduct faced appropriate disciplinary consequences.

He also assured Nigerians that complaints and disciplinary cases involving police personnel would receive prompt attention, rather than being allowed to linger unnecessarily.

According to the Commission, the cases considered at the meeting passed through several stages of review, including departmental assessments, committee deliberations and a final examination by the plenary before decisions were reached.

PSC commends disciplinary committee
Argungu also acknowledged the contributions of the Chairman of the Commission’s Standing Committee on Discipline and Legal Matters, Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (retd.), alongside other members of the board.

He commended them for their role in examining the disciplinary cases and appeals brought before the Commission.

The PSC said the process was designed to ensure that the matters received proper consideration before final decisions were taken.

The latest sanctions come as the Commission reiterates its responsibility to exercise disciplinary oversight over the Nigeria Police Force and ensure that officers adhere to the standards expected of law enforcement personnel.

With three officers dismissed, 16 demoted and 23 others reprimanded, the Commission said its actions underscored the importance of professional conduct and accountability within the force.