The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an order for the arrest of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, and the Force Secretary, AIG Hafeez Inuwa, as they have been found guilty of contempt for failing to comply with a court order.
Previously, the court had instructed the Inspector General to reinstate a group of police officers who had been forcibly retired. These officers, graduates of Courses 33, 34, and 35 from the police academy, sought legal recourse to nullify their compulsory retirement.
Despite the court’s ruling on April 19, 2022, which mandated the Inspector General, the Police Service Commission, and the Force Secretary to reinstate the officers, they have failed to adhere to the court order.
Justice Oyebiola Oyewumi, presiding over the case, recently reprimanded the Inspector General for disregarding the court’s decision, despite receiving advice from relevant stakeholders within the police force.
In the court order, the Inspector General’s defiance was strongly criticized, highlighting his obligation as an officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to uphold the rule of law. Justice Oyewumi expressed dismay at the Inspector General’s behavior, deeming it “preposterous and appalling.”
Consequently, the court found the Inspector General and the Force Secretary in contempt and ordered their arrest. They are required to appear before the court for further legal action. The case is set to continue on October 9, 2023.
