Nigeria Police Force, has said that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, did not disregard Court Order or rule of law as the office is not aware of any Court Order.
Force Public Relations Ofiicer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said , during the current Baba’s tenure, with respect to a matter making the round in the media that the he disobeyed a Court Order for the reinstatement of a dismissed officer of the Force.
Recall that a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, sentenced t Baba, to three months in prison for flouting a 2011 court order.
The IGP’s committal followed a suit that was filed by a police officer, Patrick Okoli, who was unlawfully and compulsorily retired from the Nigerian Police Force.
The court also ordered the payment of N10 million to the applicant, being special and general damages for the unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional denial of his Patrick’s rights and privileges as a Senior Officer of the Nigeria Police Force from 1993 till date.
In his reaction to the committal, the Police, said It is instructive to note that the case in point concerns an officer who was dismissed as far back as 1992, a few years after the current IGP joined the Nigeria Police Force, based on available facts gleaned from the reports.
“The most recent judgement on the matter was given in 2011 which should ordinarily not fall under the direct purview of the current administration of the Force. Thus, the news is strange and astonishing.”
Adding that the, IGP has however directed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Force Legal Unit to investigate the allegation in a bid to ascertain up the position of the court and profer informed legal advice for the IGP’s prompt and necessary action.
The Inspector-General of Police reiterates his commitment to upholding the rule of law and synergizing with the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice for an improved criminal justice system.
