The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on Wednesday affirmed the reinstatement of 455 senior police officers, dismissing an appeal by the Police Service Commission challenging an earlier ruling of the National Industrial Court.
In its judgment, the appellate court upheld the decision which nullified the retirement of the affected officers, describing the action as unlawful.
The National Industrial Court had, in a judgment delivered on September 30, 2025, ordered the immediate reinstatement of the officers and directed the payment of their outstanding salaries and allowances.
The trial court also restrained the commission and the then Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, from taking further steps regarding the retirement.
Dissatisfied with the ruling, the commission and the police authorities filed appeals. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed the commission’s application, affirming the lower court’s decision in its entirety.
The ruling followed an earlier decision by the appellate court on March 16, 2026, which struck out a separate appeal filed by the Inspector-General of Police and the Force Secretary, describing it as frivolous.
The dispute stemmed from the retirement of the officers on January 31, 2025, a move that generated controversy within the Nigeria Police Force, with critics alleging that due process was not followed.
Among those affected were senior officers across various ranks, who subsequently approached the National Industrial Court to challenge their retirement.
The court granted their claims, ordering their reinstatement a decision now upheld by the appellate court.
Observers say the judgment has effectively settled the dispute over the officers’ status, urging the police authorities to comply fully with the ruling.
