By Adadainfo
Hours after police IG Usman Baba Alkali was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment, police authorities say the embattled IGP was not aware of a court judgement directing the reinstatement of one Mr Patrick Okoli, a police officer who was compulsorily rerired.
The police, through their spokesman, Mr Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that IGP Alkali did not disregard any court order, having not been aware of the judgement.
According to him, the case which the court gave verdict today involved an officer who was dismissed in 1992, a few years after the current IGP joined the Nigeria Police Force.
Adejobi said however that the commissioner of police in charge of the legal unit had been directed to investigate the matter and advise the IGP on the next line of action.
Adejobi stated that, “The Nigeria Police Force wishes to state emphatically that the office of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Baba Alkali, did not disregard court order or rule of law as the office is not aware of any court order during the current IGP’s tenure, with respect to a matter making the round in the media that the IGP disobeyed a court order for the reinstatement of a dismissed officer of the Force.
“It is instructive to note that the case in point concerns an officer who was dismissed as far back as 1992, a few years after the current IGP joined the Nigeria Police Force, based on available facts gleaned from the reports.
“The most recent judgement on the matter was given in 2011 which should ordinarily not fall under the direct purview of the current administration of the Force. Thus, the news is strange and astonishing.
“The IGP has however directed the commissioner of police in charge of the Force Legal Unit to investigate the allegation in a bid to ascertain the position of the court and profer informed legal advice for the IGP’s prompt and necessary action.
“The Inspector-General of Police reiterates his commitment to upholding the rule of law and synergizing with the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice for an improved criminal justice system.”
