Abuja, Nigeria – Mr. Moses Jitoboh, a Deputy Inspector General of Police who was compulsorily retired from the force, has taken his case to the National Industrial Court in Abuja. Jitoboh is seeking a declaration that his retirement, executed by the Police Service Commission (PSC), was wrongful, unconstitutional, and unlawful, as it transpired before he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years in service.
In his statement of claims submitted to the court, Jitoboh alleged that his compulsory retirement constituted a clear violation of Rule 020810 of the Public Service Rules and Section 18 (8) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
The Police Service Commission had, on August 28, 2023, announced the retirement of DIG Jitoboh and three other senior officers, citing the police tradition of retiring officers when junior police officers are promoted over their senior counterparts to prevent ‘status reversal.’
Additionally, Jitoboh is seeking an order from the court directing the PSC to pay him ₦500 million in general damages to compensate for the unwarranted embarrassment caused by his purported termination, which painted him as a disloyal officer. He is also requesting ₦50 million to cover the cost of prosecuting the ongoing legal action.
Jitoboh maintains in his statement of claims that he remained an officer of the Nigeria Police Force until June 10, 2029, when he would have completed 35 years in service and retired as per regulations. Therefore, he asserts his entitlement to salaries, emoluments, and all other benefits due to him.
Furthermore, the retired DIG is calling on the National Industrial Court to declare that, in accordance with Section 4 (3) of the Police Service Commission Act, 2001, the defendant (PSC) lacks a valid board to make decisions related to the retirement or promotion of police officers, as the PSC Board’s tenure expired in July 2023. The case is expected to shed light on the legality and procedural aspects of the officer’s retirement and its broader implications within the Nigeria Police Force.