455 forcefully-retired police officers resume duty as appeal court upholds NIC ruling

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has upheld the reinstatement of 455 senior police officers, dismissing an appeal by the Police Service Commission against a prior ruling of the National Industrial Court that nullified their retirement.

In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, the appellate court affirmed the decision of the lower court, which had described the officers’ retirement as unlawful and lacking due process.

The case, filed by ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha and eight others, challenged the legality of their disengagement from service.

The appellate court, in appeal No. CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CV/1829MI/Ma 2025 between the Police Service Commission and ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha & eight others, upheld the earlier decision of the lower court, which set aside what it described as the illegal and forceful retirement of the officers.

The National Industrial Court had, in its September 30, 2025, ruling delivered by Justice R.B. Haastrup, ordered the immediate reinstatement of the affected officers and directed the payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances.

The court also restrained the commission and the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, from taking further steps in respect of the retirements.

The forced retirement of the officers had generated significant debate within the Nigeria Police Force, amid concerns over compliance with established procedures.

Senior officers affected by the decision include AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Ben Igwe, and DCP Simon Lough.

Following the ruling, legal analysts say the judgment brings clarity to longstanding disputes over the date of first appointment of officers in Cadet ASP Courses 18, 19 and 20.

Stakeholders have called on the current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Police Service Commission to comply with the ruling without delay, noting that decisions of the Court of Appeal are final in matters arising from the National Industrial Court.