The National Industrial Court in Abuja has adjourned its ruling on a suit filed by officers from Courses 18, 19, and 20 of the Police Academy, challenging their alleged forced retirement by the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Force Secretary.
The ruling, initially scheduled for Tuesday, was postponed by trial judge Justice R. B. Haastrup, who cited that the ruling was not ready. The court is now set to deliver its ruling on March 17 and has ordered that hearing notices be served on the second and third defendants.
During the proceedings, the claimants’ counsel, Goddy Uche (SAN), informed the court that the defendants, who were absent from court, had reduced the rank of some officers and retired them while the case was still ongoing.
Despite the defendants’ absence, the court noted that they had previously informed it of their inability to attend the session due to other engagements.
The officers, led by ACP Chinedu Emengaha and others, are challenging their forced retirement without reaching the mandatory retirement age or completing the required 35 years of service.
They seek an interlocutory injunction to prevent further retirements, suspensions, or loss of entitlements until the court resolves their substantive case.
The claimants also ask the court to declare that their original appointment dates, as stated in their letters, are final and not subject to revision. They argue that the defendants’ actions contradict previous judgments of the court affirming their appointment dates and service conditions.
The court’s decision will be pivotal in determining the future of these officers and their ongoing dispute with the Police authorities.
