A group of disengaged police officers from Courses 33, 34, and 35 of the Nigeria Police Academy has issued an urgent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, calling for his intervention to enforce a 2022 court judgment mandating their reinstatement.
The officers, who were prematurely forced into retirement without completing 35 years of service or reaching the age of 60, claim the Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly ignored the ruling, leaving them in financial and emotional distress.
The officers secured a landmark victory at the National Industrial Court in April 2022 (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/281/2021), which ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Police Service Commission, and the Secretary of the Police Force to regularize their appointments and reinstate them with full back pay. Despite this, the judgment has not been implemented, prompting the group to seek presidential assistance.
In August 2024, the officers were summoned to Abuja for documentation, raising hopes of reabsorption and salary restoration. However, more than two months later, no progress has been made, exacerbating their hardships. Through their legal representative, Mr. Olatoye Adejola, the officers have submitted a "Save Our Soul" letter to the President, highlighting the ongoing defiance of the court's directive.
"We have dedicated our lives to serving and protecting Nigeria, only to be unjustly cast aside," said one of the affected officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We are not asking for favors—we are asking for justice. President Tinubu has shown commitment to reforming institutions, and we believe he will step in to right this wrong and allow us to resume our duties."
The group emphasizes that their forced disengagement violates Nigerian labor laws and the principles of fair service. They argue that reinstating them would not only rectify a personal injustice but also boost morale within the force and demonstrate the government's respect for judicial authority.
The officers are calling on President Tinubu to direct the IGP to immediately comply with the court order, regularize their appointment dates, and facilitate their return to service. They have vowed to pursue all legal avenues until their rights are upheld.