A lawyer based in Abuja, has taken legal action against the Federal Government in a High Court in Abuja, disputing the alleged extension of the tenure of the Inspector General of Police. The lawsuit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/342/2024, challenges the continued tenure of the Inspector General of Police, who has reached the retirement age of 60 this year as per the Public Service rules.
The lawsuit names the Inspector General of Police, the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Police Council, President, and the Federal Civil Service Commission as defendants. The lawyer argues that the Inspector General of Police cannot legally remain in office once reaching the age of 60, as stipulated by the Public Service rules.
In response to speculations about a tenure extension, the Force spokesperson clarified that there was no extension granted, but rather the proper application of the law governing the tenure of the office of the Inspector General of Police.
Supported by an affidavit, the lawyer challenges the legality of the alleged tenure extension granted to the Inspector General of Police under the amended Police Act. The lawsuit contends that the Inspector General of Police should have retired upon reaching the age of 60, in accordance with the public service rules.
The lawyer seeks an injunction from the court to prevent the Inspector General of Police from continuing to hold the position beyond the retirement age, as prescribed by the Public Service rules.