Retired Police Officers Appeal to President Tinubu for Reinstatement After Court Order

A group of retired police officers has urgently called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the implementation of a court judgment ordering their reinstatement into the Nigeria Police Force. The officers, who were compulsorily retired before completing their statutory service years, accuse the police authorities of disregarding a 2022 court ruling in their favor.

The affected officers are members of Courses 33, 34, and 35—force entrants of the Police Academy who joined the service between 1996 and 2000. They had previously challenged their premature retirement at the National Industrial Court in Abuja, arguing that it violated the terms of their service.

In April 2022, Justice Oyewumi Oyebiola of the NIC ruled in their favor, ordering the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, and the Force Secretary to reinstate the officers. The court also restrained the defendants from enforcing the compulsory retirement.

However, nearly three years after the judgment, the police authorities have yet to comply, leaving the officers in a state of professional and financial limbo.

In a fresh appeal addressed to President Tinubu and made available to the press, the officers’ lawyer, Adetoye Adejola, described the non-implementation of the court order as an injustice. He appealed to the President to use his office to facilitate their recall, especially at a time when the nation is grappling with security challenges.

The letter referenced Tinubu’s recent directive for the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs to bolster frontline policing, noting that the recalled officers could provide much-needed experienced manpower.

“These officers, many of whom remain agile and possess extensive operational experience, are a valuable asset to the nation,” Adejola stated. “Recalling them would not only reinforce the depleted ranks of the Nigeria Police but also demonstrate a commitment to justice, fairness, and professionalism within the force.”

The lawyers urged President Tinubu to direct the immediate enforcement of the court judgment, emphasizing that the reinstatement of the officers would support national policing efforts and strengthen internal security.