By Kingsley Omonobi
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a clarification regarding the recent ruling by the National Industrial Court, emphasizing that the court did not mandate the reinstatement of 197 senior police officers who were compulsorily retired earlier this year due to inconsistencies in their service records.
In an official release signed by spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission stated that it is carefully analyzing the judgment handed down by Justice R.B. Haastrup on September 30, 2025, and is considering the possibility of filing an appeal after thorough review.
The PSC stressed, “The judgment does not explicitly direct the reinstatement of the officers, contrary to some media reports.”
The statement, titled “Re: Judgment of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in ACP Chinedu and Ors vs Police Service Commission and Ors (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/28/2025),” warned the public against misinformation, particularly claims that the court ordered the return of officers such as AIG Idowu Owohunwa, CP Benneth Igweh, and DCP Simon Lough (SAN).
While the court affirmed that the initial appointments of the officers as Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) should remain intact and not be merged with prior service records, it did not issue any reinstatement orders.
The ruling clarified that members of Cadet ASP Courses 18, 19, and 20 who have not yet reached the age of 60 or completed 35 years of service are exempt from the Commission’s earlier directive mandating retirement by January 31, 2025.
However, the PSC highlighted that the legal case involving the three senior officers mentioned in media coverage-AIG Owohunwa, AIG Igweh, and DCP Lough-is a distinct matter (NICN/ABJ/88/2025) still pending before the same court.
“As an institution committed to upholding the rule of law, the Commission respects judicial authority and will act within legal frameworks,” the statement affirmed. “We will not undermine the judiciary’s integrity but must also ensure adherence to due process.”
Ani reiterated that the Commission is thoroughly reviewing the court’s decision to determine the best legal and administrative course of action, including the option to appeal.
The PSC reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with judicial rulings in handling personnel issues within the Nigeria Police Force.