The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reacted to recent media reports concerning the judgement of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in the case of *ACP Chinedu Ambrose Emengaha & 7 Ors vs Police Service Commission & Ors* (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/28/2025).

The Commission’s response follows a report published by Sahara Reporters on October 2, 2025, with the headline: “Court Orders IGP Egbetokun, PSC to Reinstate Owohunwa, Simon Lough, 194 Other Officers Sacked Over Age Falsification Scandal.”

According to the Sahara Reporters publication, the NICN had ordered the immediate reinstatement of 196 police officers from Cadet ASP Force Courses 18, 19, and 20, who were dismissed over alleged age falsification. The report further listed some senior officers, AIG Idowu Owohunwa, CP Benneth Igweh, and DCP Simon Lough, SAN, as among those affected.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC clarified that while it is fully aware of the court’s decision delivered on September 30, 2025, by Hon. Justice R.B. Haastrup, the judgement did not specifically order the reinstatement of any officer, contrary to the media report.

The Commission outlined the key declarations made by the court, which include:

1. That the claimants’ dates of first appointment, as contained in their appointment letters, are not subject to review by the defendants.
2. That members of Cadet ASP Force Entrant Courses 18, 19, and 20 who have neither served 35 years nor attained 60 years of age are excluded from the PSC’s January 31, 2025 directive on retirement.
3. That the appointment of the claimants as Cadet Officers constitutes a fresh appointment and is not a merger of previous service.
4. That the PSC and other defendants cannot set aside valid and subsisting judgements of the court previously delivered on similar matters.
5. That the PSC’s directive on January 31, 2025, as it concerns Courses 18, 19, and 20, is set aside.
6. That the defendants are perpetually restrained from reviewing appointment dates already settled by earlier judgements.
7. That the defendants are perpetually restrained from retiring any member of the affected courses who has not reached 60 years of age.

The Commission emphasised that “nothing in the court’s decision specifically orders the reinstatement of the officers, nor does it mention any individual names.”

Mr. Ani further disclosed that the PSC is currently studying the judgement with a view to taking appropriate legal steps, including a possible appeal.

The statement also clarified that the senior officers named in the media report—AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Benneth Igweh, and DCP Simon Lough, have a separate case pending before the National Industrial Court (*Suit No. NICN/ABJ/88/2025*), which is still awaiting determination.

Reaffirming its commitment to due process, the PSC stated:

> “The Commission is a responsible organisation guided by the principle of obedience to the rule of law, and will not do anything to undermine the sanctity of the judiciary.”

By Mohammed Baba Busu

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has urged the newly graduated Police Constables to serve the nation with empathy, fairness and dedication.

He advised the passing-out parade of the 2022/2023 Batch of Police Force (NPF) Constables recruitment scheme on Tuesday in Minna, Niger.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Constables were 374 in number, having completed their six-month mandatory basic police training course.

NAN also reports that the constables being passed out brought the total number of recruits to 20,000 since Egbetokun’s assumption of duty.

The IGP, represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 7, Headquarters, AIG Victor Olaiya, reminded them that every action they take reflects not only their characters, as individuals, but also that of the entire Nigeria Police Force.

“To the newly commissioned Constables, your journey as members of this noble institution begins today. You have been found worthy in character, learning, and discipline.

“I congratulate you warmly on your successful completion of training and welcome you into the Police family, a family bound by service, sacrifice, and an unshakeable commitment to our nation.

“As you begin your professional journey, carry with you the values of honour, diligence, and patriotism instilled during your training.

“I must, however, remind you that policing is not merely a job; it is a sacred duty. Your conduct must be guided at all times by professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens,” he said.

He urged them to shun corruption, extortion, and abuse of power, adding that the uniform they wore was a symbol of trust, and it must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people they were sworn to protect.

He also urged them to uphold the rule of law, act with compassion, and remember that the true measure of their success lies in the safety, peace, and confidence of the communities they serve.

He prayed that almighty God grant them the wisdom, strength, and protection to serve Nigeria with honour, courage, and humility.

“I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support and genuine commitment to police transformation.

“The President’s sustained interest in strengthening the Force inspired our unrelenting drive towards reform, improved welfare, and operational efficiency.

“To the good people of Nigeria, I assure you, once again, that the Force remains fully committed to protecting lives and property, enforcing the law without fear or favour, and upholding the highest standards of accountability.

“We will continue to strengthen our partnership with communities, as the task of building a safe and peaceful society requires the collective effort of all citizens,” he said.

Egbetokun also assured that with all hands on deck, the Force could secure the country and create an environment where every Nigerian could live, work, and thrive without fear.

Earlier, the Commandant, Police Training School, Minna, ACP Yunusa Isah-Wakili, appealed to the graduands not to waste the knowledge they have acquired during their training.

“Instead, you should reciprocate the gesture of the constituted authority by being professional in your conduct, as you will henceforth be held accountable for your actions or inactions.

“Today, I sincerely welcome you into the family of the NPF and urge you to improve on those areas that you once criticised the Force.

“This is especially in areas of human rights violation by some Police officers while performing their statutory duties,” he advised.

Isah-Wakili therefore, admonished them to be steadfast in their career and to always let their decisions be informed by the guiding principles of the Force.

“Your passing out is a milestone and obviously your contributions to security of lives and property especially, as clock tick towards 2027 general elections is mandatory,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

….. Urges Integrity And Respect For Human Rights

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Victor Olaiya, psc(+), on Tuesday reviewed the Passing Out Parade (POP) of newly recruited police constables at the Niger State Police Training School, Minna, with a call on the officers to uphold integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens.

AIG Olaiya, who represented the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, at the event, commended the 370 recruits for successfully completing their rigorous training. He described the ceremony as a significant milestone in the ongoing reforms of the Nigeria Police Force aimed at strengthening manpower and improving service delivery nationwide.

According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, ASP Halima Mohammed, in his address, the AIG charged the new officers to see themselves as ambassadors of discipline and integrity, noting that the police uniform symbolizes authority, sacrifice, and responsibility.

“You must always remember that the uniform you wear represents authority, sacrifice, and responsibility. Uphold integrity in all your dealings, respect the rights and dignity of all citizens, and remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

AIG Olaiya emphasized that public trust and confidence in the police can only be earned through fairness, accountability, and compassionate service. He reiterated the IGP’s commitment to continuous reforms, improved welfare, and capacity development to ensure a professional and people-oriented police force.

The AIG also commended the Niger State Government for its sustained support to the Police Training School, particularly the provision of two solar-powered boreholes and other forms of operational assistance. He urged community members to strengthen partnerships with the police to promote peace and security across the state.

The colourful event was graced by senior police officers, representatives of the Niger State Government, traditional rulers, families of the recruits, and members of the public.

AIG Olaiya concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring peace, safety, and justice for all citizens through professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights.

…… Envoy assures support as Marwa seeks the provision of rehabilitation facilities

Nigeria and Qatar have strengthened their partnership in the area of combating illicit drug trafficking with the symbolic exchange of instruments of ratification between the two countries by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) and the Qatar Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri.

The spokesperson of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, says the exchange followed the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on 3rd March 2024 in Doha, on cooperation on combating illicit trade in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

Speaking at a brief ceremony at the Qatar Embassy in Abuja on Tuesday, 7th October 2025, Marwa expressed appreciation for the partnership between the two countries against a major threat to public health and security globally.

He assured that the NDLEA remains committed to collaborating with its counterpart in Doha “to protect our people and countries from the threat of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.” He noted that in the last four years, NDLEA had intercepted over 1,000 kilograms of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis and others heading to Qatar.

While commending the Qatar government for its peace building efforts and tremendous humanitarian work across the world through the Qatar Foundation, the NDLEA boss sought the support of the Foundation in the area of provision of rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of people struggling with drug addiction.

In his response, Ambassador Ali Bin Ghanem Al- Hajri assured Marwa that he will present the request to the Qatar Foundation. He noted that the partnership between the two countries has improved greatly and of recent increased the number travels between the two countries.

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), CP Ajao S. Adewale, has called for stronger synergy and cooperation between residents of Nyanya and the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring safety and security within the area.

CP Ajao made this call during a courtesy visit to the Nyanya Divisional Police Station, where he held an interactive session with youths, community leaders, and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).

In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised that security should not be left to the government alone, urging residents to take an active role in safeguarding their environment. He encouraged the people to know their neighbours and understand what they do for a living as part of community vigilance.

He further advised the youths to resist being used as political thugs, stressing that their energy and talents should instead be channelled toward positive community development.

The interactive session provided an opportunity for members of the community to voice their concerns and suggestions on how to strengthen collaboration with the police. CP Ajao also urged residents to always have the contact numbers of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), fire service, and other emergency responders for quick intervention in times of need.

While commending the efforts of the local vigilante group for complementing police operations, the Commissioner also applauded the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Nyanya for their cooperation and assistance in the arrest of suspected criminals.

Earlier during the visit, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nyanya Division, CSP Alhassan Majia, warmly received the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, and briefed him on the achievements recorded by the division in crime prevention and community policing.

The DPO also highlighted some of the challenges facing the division, particularly in the areas of manpower and logistics, and appealed for the Commissioner’s support to further enhance the operational efficiency of the command in ensuring the safety of lives and property within the Nyanya axis.

Dignitaries present at the meeting included the Speaker of the AMAC Legislative Council, the Chairman and members of the PCRC, traditional council leaders from Nyanya, heads of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as well as youth leaders from the community.

CP Ajao reaffirmed the FCT Command’s commitment to community-oriented policing, assuring residents that the police will continue to partner with all stakeholders to make Nyanya and the entire FCT safer for all.

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), mni, has congratulated newly recruited Police Constables who are passing out from various Police Colleges across the country, describing the ceremony as a proud moment for Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC Chairman expressed satisfaction that the Commission, constitutionally empowered to recruit personnel into the Nigeria Police Force, played a vital role in admitting the new officers into the policing profession.

Argungu reminded the recruits that the Commission will continue to monitor their conduct and performance throughout their service, urging them to embrace their duties with dedication and integrity.

He charged the new Constables to play active roles in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of insecurity, while also working to strengthen public trust in the Police.

Emphasising that professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights must remain the foundation of their service, Argungu assured the officers of the Commission’s continuous support in career progression and capacity development.

“Today marks the beginning of your noble career in service to your fatherland. I urge you to serve with honour, courage, and patriotism. Your success will bring pride to your families, the Police Force, and our great nation,” he declared.

The PSC Chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the new Constables are well-equipped to protect lives and property, uphold justice, and defend the integrity of Nigeria.

…… Gov Diri Receives Africa In Diaspora Leader On Maiden Nigeria Visit

Bayelsa State has procured two aircraft to commence commercial flight operations at the state’s airport.

Governor Douye Diri, who stated this on Monday during the courtesy visit of the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora, Dr Tin Louise-George, to Government House, Yenagoa, said the planes would soon arrive and would operate the Yenagoa, Lagos and Abuja routes.

According to a press release on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri said his administration was determined to make the Bayelsa International Airport more commercially effective for flight operations.

While welcoming Dr. Louise-George on his maiden visit to Nigeria and Bayelsa, he described the State of Africa in Diaspora as akin to Doctors Without Borders.

He stated that the state government was ready to partner in the areas of airport expansion and smart city development.

He said: “I heartily welcome you and your team to Bayelsa. We are pleased to note that you are visiting Nigeria for the first time.

“Let me acknowledge that I had a fruitful virtual meeting with you and your team when I was recently in London, which was facilitated by my Technical Adviser, Prof. Oweikumo Eradiri.

“As an African government without borders, we know you have a lot for us. My Technical Adviser had earlier presented the plans we have for developing our state. The airport is one of them, which certainly needs expansion.

”We are working on the airport in the area of ensuring there are regular, daily flights. We had an arrangement with a private airline, which we were supporting for flights to and fro Lagos and Abuja. But it got to a point where that arrangement almost collapsed, and the airport became virtually non-functional.

“Now we have taken the bull by the horns, and as we speak, we are expecting two aircraft, which the government has already procured. These aircraft would operate daily flights to Lagos and Abuja. So wherever you have an airport, constant electricity and water, it is as good as any place you stay to eke out a living.

“Talking about smart cities, we are equally developing a new city called the New Yenagoa City. It is a place my team will take you to see what we are doing. That is the kind of place a smart city will be very okay for our people.”

Earlier, the Prime Minister of the State of Africa in Diaspora, Dr Tin Louise-George, proposed development support and funding for selected projects in the state through a cooperation agreement.

He explained that in 2003, Heads of State of the African Union unanimously adopted a resolution establishing the African Diaspora as the sixth region of Africa.

The Prime Minister said there were 350 million people of African descent living outside of Africa and that he had the mandate of the Africa Union to represent them.

He stated that besides the government, which he leads, a parliament and a royal chamber, there were programmes of action for development, with the objective to reinforce Africa through the diaspora and the diaspora through Africa.

He said the visit to Bayelsa was to explore areas of collaboration in aviation, provide support for a smart city, education and medical facilities among other sectors.

“Our objective is to reinforce Africa through the diaspora and the diaspora through Africa. And we are very happy to have this opportunity to come to Bayelsa State and Nigeria. What we want to do is propose support, development and funding.

“This morning, I saw the airport and I know you want to extend it. We are ready to provide the resources to develop this airport, a smart city somewhere, education and a medical complex. We will be happy to contribute.”