The plight of reinstated Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) of Courses 18, 19, and 20 has raised concerns about judicial authority and institutional accountability in Nigeria. The officers were initially enlisted as Constables, then appointed as Cadet ASPs based on their educational qualifications. A 2021 court judgment by Hon. Justice O. O. Oyewunmi affirmed that their appointment as Cadet ASPs was a fresh appointment, not a promotion or service merger.
The National Industrial Court and Court of Appeal have ruled in favor of the officers, declaring their retirement wrongful and ordering their unconditional reinstatement. Despite these judgments, the officers have faced challenges. The Police Service Commission (PSC) and Nigeria Police Force implemented the initial judgment but later resolved to merge the officers' periods of service, leading to their compulsory retirement in January 2025.
Following their reinstatement, the officers were directed to undergo a six-month induction program, which has raised questions about its necessity and purpose. The program was abruptly suspended in late September 2026 due to an interim order obtained by an NGO, Advocacy for Human Rights and Cultural Values for Development Initiatives. The order was later set aside by Hon. Justice Buhari Sani on grounds of abuse of court process.
Despite the setting aside of the interim order, the officers remain at home without posting or salaries since January 2025. The authorities have not demonstrated urgency in restoring them to duty. Furthermore, the reinstated officers were excluded from participating in promotion examinations, raising concerns about fairness and equal treatment.
The officers have also faced criminal prosecution, which appeared calculated to frustrate, humiliate, and discredit them. However, the charges were struck out by the Industrial Court due to incompetence and bad faith. The Nigerian judiciary has played a crucial role in protecting the officers' rights, but the actions of the PSC and Nigeria Police Force have raised concerns about their commitment to upholding court judgments.
The situation has highlighted the need for institutional accountability and respect for judicial authority. The officers' ordeal has been prolonged, with no end in sight. The PSC and Nigeria Police Force must take concrete steps to implement the court judgments and ensure the officers' reinstatement and proper integration into the police force.
The case has significant implications for the rule of law and institutional accountability in Nigeria. The judiciary has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the law, but the authorities must also prioritize compliance with court judgments. The reinstated officers' situation remains a pressing concern, and a resolution is urgently needed to prevent further erosion of trust in the justice system.
Key points
- The Nigerian judiciary has ruled in favor of the reinstated Cadet ASPs, but the authorities have not implemented the judgments effectively.
- The officers have faced challenges, including a six-month induction program and exclusion from promotion examinations.
- The situation has raised concerns about institutional accountability, judicial authority, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
