National Industrial Court Fixes March 6, for Police Officers’ Promotion Judgement

Oluchi Chibuzor

The National Industrial Court, Abuja, has fixed March 6, 2025, for judgement in a case filed against the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) by 4,449 police officers on the grounds that the IGP refused to decorate them with their new ranks, after they were promoted and approved by the Police Service Commission pursuant to its Act.

After five hours of heated legal arguments between Muka’ila Yahaya Mavo, counsel representing the Claimants in the case, presiding Judge, Hon. Justice R. B. Haastrup, heard the arguments of both counsel in the matter and adjourned the case to March 6, 2025 for judgement.

Mavo argued that the powers of the Police Service Commission in respect of promotion of police officers in Nigeria was sacrosanct as stated by the Supreme Court in the case of Nigeria Police Force & 2 Ors V. Police Service Commission & 10 Ors (2023) 95, Part 1 NSCQR. Therefore, he said the Inspector General of Police cannot take away that powers except through legislation by amending the Constitution of Nigeria and the Police Service Commission’s Act.

He further argued that the IGP was appointed in accordance with the provisions of the law of the land and he was under an obligation to respect the law of the land.
The decision of the Commission was in line with section 6 (1) (a) of the Police Service Commission Act and section 16 (3) (a) of the Police Act.
Counsel to the Police Force CSP Celestine U. Odo argued that issue of promotion of officers was at the discretion of the IGP.