On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Honorable Justice Bolaji Olajuwon, annulled the contempt proceedings and committal order against the Office of the Inspector-General of Police. In a similar manner, the court absolved and exonerated the IGP of the conviction and three-month punishment. This is in response to a motion that was brought before the Federal High Court on December 1, 2022, outlining the reasons why the judgment should be overturned, especially given that the Force had complied with the court’s original order requiring the restoration of plaintiff Patrick C. Okoli.
The earlier decision was based on a reinstatement order for the plaintiff, a terminated Police Officer whose dismissal was determined by the Court to be unlawful, according to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi. It is noteworthy that prior Inspectors General of Police have complied with the directive in accordance with the Office of the IGP’s statutory powers. This is due to the fact that the Police Service Commission, the organization legally in charge of carrying out such reinstatements, had previously received multiple letters and reminders seeking compliance with the court decision to reinstate and promote the Officer to his rightful level.
The learned Honourable Justice concluded in his decision that the IGP is entitled to acquittal since he has substantially complied with the court’s earlier judgment from 2011 and has done so since 2015. He cleared him of all charges as a result. The IGP has so praised the Court for overturning the ruling and reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s unshakable commitment to upholding and upholding the rule of law and ensuring the ongoing protection of everyone’s fundamental rights.
In another development, the IGP has reassigned the commanding Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South-East Geo-Political Zone, DIG, in an effort to foster professionalism and effectiveness in the NPF. Following the retirement of DIG Zanna M. Ibrahim, mni, John Amadi, mni, who had previously been in command of the Department of Research and Planning, was transferred to the Department of Logistics and Supply, Force Headquarters, Abuja. DIG Amadi is an alumnus of the University of Lagos and a member of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). He is from the state of Ebonyi.
In a similar vein, new leaders have been appointed to several commands and formations to guarantee that officers are given assignments that are appropriate for their level of training and experience. The other recently appointed senior police officers are CP Isyaku Mohammed appointed as the Head of Police Accounts and Budget; CP Patrick Kehinde Longe appointed as the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Osun State Police Command; CP Adepoju Ayinde Ilori appointed as the Police Special Fraud Unit, FCID Annex, Lagos; and CP Faleye E.S. Olaleye appointed as the CP Administration, FCID, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
