A former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Moses Jitoboh, has taken legal action against his compulsory retirement, which he claims was unjust and unconstitutional.
According to The PUNCH, Jitoboh filed the case before the National Industrial Court in Abuja, seeking a declaration that his retirement by the Police Service Commission before reaching his mandatory retirement age of 60 years or 35 years in service is wrongful and unlawful.
In his statement of claims submitted to the court, Jitoboh asserted that his compulsory retirement was in violation of Rule 020810 of the Public Service Rules and Section 18 (8) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020. His retirement was announced by the PSC on Monday, August 28, 2023, along with three other officers, with the justification that it aimed to maintain the tradition of retiring officers when a junior officer is promoted over senior officers to prevent ‘status reversal.’
According to the suit, Jitoboh is not only contesting the legality of his retirement but also seeking compensation for the distress caused by the termination of his employment.
He has requested the court to direct the PSC to pay ₦500 million as general damages for the embarrassment he endured, as he was portrayed as a disloyal officer.
Additionally, he is seeking ₦50 million as the cost of prosecuting his case.
The former DIG firmly stated in his claims that he remained an officer of the Nigeria Police Force until June 10, 2029, when he would have served for 35 years and retired as required.
He also insisted that he is entitled to his salaries, emoluments, and all other benefits associated with his position.
Furthermore, Jitoboh is challenging the validity of the PSC’s decisions, emphasizing that the PSC Board’s tenure had expired in July 2023, rendering any actions related to the retirement or promotion of police officers invalid, according to Section 4 (3) of the Police Service Commission Act, 2001.
