The Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued an order for the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years of service or are above the age of 60.
This directive follows a wave of controversy surrounding the tenure of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who recently turned 60. Both the Police and the Attorney General of the Federation have, however, confirmed that his continued service is legally valid.
In a statement released on Friday, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, explained that the commission had revisited its earlier position from the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which allowed police officers to use their date of enlistment rather than their appointment date to determine their service duration.
However, the PSC has now reversed this decision, citing its inconsistency with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60.
“The Police Service Commission has concluded its first extraordinary meeting, approving the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are over the age of 60,” Ani stated.
He also clarified that during the 24th plenary meeting of September 27-28, 2017, the commission had initially agreed to allow police officers to use their date of appointment in the force instead of their enlistment date. However, the PSC has now determined that this decision contradicts the principle of service merger in the public service and violates Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which requires retirement at the attainment of either 35 years of service or 60 years of age.
Ani further noted that the decision has been formally communicated to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation.
The extraordinary meeting, which was presided over by Commission Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), was attended by key figures including retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd), Honourable Commissioner representing the Police; and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
The commission’s directive has now been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for action.
