NIGERIA: “IGP didn’t disobey court order on dismissed officer’s reinstatement” – Police

… Insists IGP Would Never Disregard Court Ruling, Rule Of Law

Nigeria Police Force has stated that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), IGP Usman Alkali Baba, did not disobey court order issued for the reinstatement of dismissed Police Officer.

A statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer,
Force Headquarters, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA), said the IGP was not aware of the court order.

It also said that IGP Baba will never disregard any court ruling or rule of law.

The statement reads “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state emphatically that the office of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+),NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, did not disregard Court Order or rule of law as the office is not aware of any Court Order, during the current IGP’s tenure, with respect to a matter making the round in the media that the IGP disobeyed a Court Order for the reinstatement of a dismissed officer of the Force.

“It is instructive to note that the case in point concerns an officer who was dismissed as far back as 1992, a few years after the current IGP joined the Nigeria Police Force, based on available facts gleaned from the reports.

“The most recent judgement on the matter was given in 2011 which should ordinarily not fall under the direct purview of the current administration of the Force.

“Thus, the news is strange and astonishing,” the statement noted.

The IGP, it said, has however directed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Legal Unit to investigate the allegation in a bid to “ascertain the position of the court and profer informed legal advice for the IGP’s prompt and necessary action.”

“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates his commitment to upholding the rule of law and synergizing with the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice for an improved criminal justice system,” it stated.