The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday sentenced the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to three-month imprisonment for flouting a 2011 court order.
The IG’s committal followed a suit filed by a police officer, Patrick Okoli, who was unlawfully and compulsorily retired from the Nigeria Police Force.
The court also ordered the payment of N10m to the applicant as special and general damages for the unconstitutional denial of his rights and privileges as a senior officer of the Nigeria Police Force from 1993 until date.
The court, in a ruling delivered by Justice M. O. Olajuwon, held that the police chief should be committed to prison and detained in custody for three months or until his office obeys an order made by the court since October 21, 2011.
However, in a statement, by the Force PRO, Oumuyiwa Adejobi, it was mentioned that thr police is not aware of the court order ob reinstatement of dimissed officer.
It read, “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 IGP 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.”
