“If at the end of the three months, the IGP remains recalcitrant and still refuses to purge his contempt, he shall be committed for another period and until he purges his contempt”
A Federal High Court in Abuja, has sentenced the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba to three-month jail term for allegedly disobeying valid court order.
The ruling by Justice M. O. Olajuwon committed the IGP for the period until he obeys the order it made since October 21, 2011.
“If at the end of the three months, the IGP remains recalcitrant and still refuses to purge his contempt, he shall be committed for another period and until he purges his contempt,” the court ruled.
The IGP’s committal followed a suit that was filed by a Police officer, Mr. Patrick Okoli, who was unlawfully and compulsorily retired from the Nigerian Police Force.
Justice Olajuwon noted that though the Police Service Commission (PSC) recommended Okoli’s reinstatement into the Police Force, a decision that was affirmed by the court, but the IGP refused to comply with the order.
The court also ordered the payment of N10 million to the applicant, being special and general damages for the unlawful, illegal and unconstitutional denial of his rights and privileges as a senior officer of the Nigeria Police Force from 1993 till date.
