Moses Jitoboh, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, has filed a petition at the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja against his compulsory retirement by the Police Service Commission (PSC) on August 28.
Jitoboh alongside three other DIGs were forcefully retired by the PSC for refusing to comply with the police tradition of voluntary retirement when a junior police officer is promoted over senior officers to avoid ‘status reversal’
In his petition, Jitoboh is seeking a declaration from the court that his retirement by the PSC, which occurred before he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years or completed 35 years of service, was wrongful, unconstitutional, and unlawful.
He argued that this action violated Rule 020810 of the Public Service Rules and Section 18 (8) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
Jitoboh’s legal argument revolves around the idea that he is entitled to remain in the Police Force until June 10, 2029, which marks the point when he would have completed 35 years of service. This would entitle him to his full salaries, benefits, and all other rights due to him as a serving officer.
Furthermore, he is seeking compensation of 500 million Naira as general damages for the unjust harm caused by his employment termination, which portrayed him as disloyal.
Additionally, he is requesting an additional 50 million Naira to cover the costs associated with prosecuting the ongoing legal proceedings.
Jitoboh is also pressing for a declaration from the National Industrial Court that, in line with Section 4 (3) of the Police Service Commission Act, 2001, the PSC does not possess a valid board to make decisions related to the retirement or promotion of any police officer since the PSC Board’s tenure expired in July 2023.