Retired DIG Moses Jitoboh Challenges Unlawful Retirement in Court
A former Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Mr. Moses Jitoboh, who was compulsorily retired by the Police Service Commission (PSC) before reaching his mandatory retirement age, has approached the National Industrial Court in Abuja, seeking redress. Jitoboh asserts that his retirement was wrongful, unconstitutional, and unlawful.
In a statement of claims filed before the court, Jitoboh argues that his compulsory retirement is in direct violation of Rule 020810 of the Public Service Rules and Section 18 (8) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020. The PSC had announced his retirement, along with three others, citing the tradition of retiring senior officers when a junior officer is promoted to prevent ‘status reversal’.
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Jitoboh is seeking the court’s declaration that he remains an officer of the Nigeria Police Force until June 10, 2029, when he would have completed 35 years of service and reached the mandatory retirement age. He asserts his entitlement to salaries, emoluments, and all benefits associated with his position.
Furthermore, Jitoboh is requesting the court to order the PSC to pay ₦500 million in general damages for the undue embarrassment caused by his purported termination. He also seeks an additional ₦50 million as the cost of prosecuting the ongoing action.
Additionally, Jitoboh is urging the National Industrial Court to affirm that, pursuant to Section 4 (3) of the Police Service Commission Act, 2001, the defendant (PSC) 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.
This legal action reflects Jitoboh’s determination to challenge what he believes to be an unjust and premature retirement from his distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force.
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