Hundreds of senior officials within the Nigeria Police Force, who are currently under investigation by a disciplinary committee established by the top leadership of the organization, could be removed from their positions, with some possibly having their ranks lowered, according to information obtained by Daily Trust yesterday.
This would be in addition to the 34 officers who were previously dismissed from the Force during the tenure of the current Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, since he took office in 2023.
Currently, at least 151 senior police officers from different commands and units throughout the nation are being investigated by the Force Disciplinary Committee for "alleged misconduct, violations of professional standards, and ethical breaches" committed by the staff.
The Daily Trust states that the committee, which started its session on Monday, July 14, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, is set to finish its investigation within 10 days and submit its findings to the Police Service Commission, which will take action against the responsible officers.
The continuous investigation followed various applications to the IGP from different people, such as lawyers, Civil Society Organizations, and businesspeople, concerning reported misconduct, bribery, participation in abductions, and other similar issues.
Previously, the Police Service Commission disciplined wayward officers through dismissal, demotion, and in certain instances, legal action, along with other penalties intended to discourage similar behavior.
Inquiry regarding the scheduled welfare demand demonstration - Sources
Despite reports from within the Force, as mentioned by Daily Trust yesterday, indicating that the number of senior officers under investigation by the panel has increased significantly recently due to their alleged participation in protests concerning welfare matters, the Force stated that they are being examined for "misconduct."
Previously, we didn't have such a large group of senior officers appearing before disciplinary panels simultaneously. We do now because some individuals are being targeted as scapegoats for specific actions, as there have been numerous problems within the Force recently.
A source, who requested to remain anonymous, explained, 'One of the issues is the recent rumor that officers have been quietly complaining and demonstrating due to their low salaries and other benefits in comparison to the sharp increase in the cost of essential items lately.'
Another source indicated that certain high-ranking officials were being charged with encouraging former officers to carry out "attacks" against the Force and supporting them in expressing criticism toward the current leadership of the organization.
He stated, "A number of former Force members have recently been very vocal in their criticism of the police regarding the Contributory Pension Scheme. It was claimed that active officers were among those encouraging them to speak out against the establishment."
They are using the term 'misconduct,' so they need to reveal the specifics of their violations. I'm not claiming there aren't any bad individuals, but over 150? Haba!
Continuing investigation will be open - Force Headquarters
In response to the ongoing investigation, the spokesperson for the force, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any type of indiscipline or improper behavior from its personnel.
Adejobi, serving as an Assistant Commissioner of Police, stated that the officers involved should go through a comprehensive and open evaluation process according to current police rules and disciplinary guidelines.
He stated, "The Force Disciplinary Committee is a crucial internal body tasked with examining and deciding on allegations of professional misconduct, improper behavior, and ethical breaches involving senior officers at the level of Assistant Superintendent of Police and higher."
The Police Inspector General, Kayode Egbetokun, has restated his administration's commitment to maintaining discipline and ethical behavior in the force. He highlighted that the Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any type of indiscipline or improper conduct.
The Nigerian Police Force is steadfast in its dedication to fostering integrity, professionalism, and public confidence. The disciplinary procedure demonstrates the Force's determination to sustain an accountable and service-oriented organization, where standards are maintained and the rule of law is honored internally.
34 people dismissed in two years
Information gathered and examined by Daily Trust showed that a minimum of 34 officials have been dismissed within the past two years.
Eleven were removed between May and December 2023, 15 were terminated in 2024, and eight were compelled to leave the service between January and June 2025.
In May 2023, Sergeant Ekpo Shimuyere was terminated due to demanding N98,000 from a young individual in the same year.
In June 2023, Corporal Adegbite Olawale and Sergeant Oluwaniyi Ijanusi were terminated due to utilizing their uniforms for extortion, whereas Corporal Bright Wamadi was let go the next month for involvement in armed robbery.
Inspections revealed that six officers from the Police, NDLEA, and Civil Defence were removed due to suspected extortion via Point of Sale (POS), while Constable Belasa Iyangedue was terminated for allegedly sexually assaulting a detainee in September 2023.
In January 2024, Insp. Michael Odey and two others were terminated for demanding N4.2m, while Insp. Taiwo Kolawole, Insp. John Ogbe, and Cprl. Idowu Sunday were removed from their positions due to theft and bribery amounting to N300,000.
Insp. Alex Akaeze and Kadiri Hassan were discovered with 1,080kg of Ice (a hard drug) when ASP Kulu was removed from duty due to the kidnapping of five children in April 2024.
In July, Insp. Alhaji Aminu Mohammed was removed due to armed robbery, whereas Insp. Abiodun Kayode, Insp. James Samuel, and Sgt. Oni Philip were terminated in October for the killing of a polytechnic student.
International Edition: Edith Uduma and Sgt Abraham Uzuobo were removed due to bribery and rape charges, whereas David Maji was terminated for damaging street lights valued at N25m in November and December respectively.
Three officials were also removed in January 2025 for misappropriating ₦43,160,000 that was found at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in Abuja, while Sgt. Jonas Nnamdi, Cprl Ifeanyi Emeka, and Cprl James Daniel were terminated the next month for involvement in kidnapping and bribery.
Inspector Kufre Moses was said to have been removed due to 'misconduct' in March of this year, while Inspector Innocent Ishaku was also expelled from the force in June for damaging power lines.
Expert speaks
In an interview with our reporter last night, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), warned the police to make sure that the current investigation does not become a form of harassment.
He stated, "In theory, it's positive that police officers accused of extortion, abuse, kidnapping, and similar offenses are held accountable through established internal disciplinary measures and adhere to legal due process."
But there is a requirement for openness and equity. We aim to ensure that oppression or harassment is not concealed as punishment.
Copyright 2025 Daily Trust. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (https://www.mountaintravel.my.id/).
Tagged: Nigeria, Arms and Military Affairs, Labour, West Africa, Conflict, Peace and Security, Economy, Business and Finance
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