Former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Moses Jitoboh, is contesting his involuntary retirement by the Police Service Commission, having filed a case with the National Industrial Court in Abuja.
Jitoboh claims that his retirement, which occurred prior to reaching the mandatory age of 60 years or completing 35 years in service, is both wrongful and unconstitutional.
In his statement of claims, Jitoboh argues that his retirement contravenes Rule 020810 of the Public Service Rules and Section 18 (8) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020. The Police Service Commission announced his retirement, along with three other officers, on August 28, 2023, citing the tradition of retiring senior officers when junior officers are promoted.
Jitoboh is seeking ₦500 million in general damages for the embarrassment caused by his alleged termination and an additional ₦50 million to cover the costs of prosecuting the case. He contends that he should remain an officer of the Nigeria Police Force until June 10, 2029, which marks the completion of his 35 years in service.
Moreover, he is calling on the National Industrial Court to declare that the Police Service Commission lacks a valid board to make decisions regarding the retirement or promotion of police officers, as the PSC Board’s tenure expired in July 2023.