The Court of Appeal in Abuja has ordered the immediate reinstatement of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) James Idachaba, declaring his compulsory retirement by the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission (PSC) as unlawful and unconstitutional.
In a unanimous judgment delivered on July 11, 2025, a three-member panel of justices held that Idachaba’s retirement was done without a fair hearing and in breach of his constitutional rights.
The appellate court, presided over by Justice Haruna Tsammani, set aside the earlier judgment of the National Industrial Court, which had upheld Idachaba’s dismissal.
The panel also awarded ₦2 million in damages against the PSC and the Nigeria Police, and ordered them to pay all entitlements due to Idachaba since his compulsory retirement in January 2022.
Justice Tsammani, in the lead judgment, held that the Industrial Court was wrong to affirm Idachaba’s retirement, describing the process as procedurally defective and lacking in merit.
“The termination of the appellant’s appointment was done without compliance with the law.
“We hereby order his immediate reinstatement and payment of all outstanding salaries and benefits,” the court ruled.
Idachaba had been compulsorily retired following internal complaints in the force, but he consistently maintained his innocence, arguing that he was not given a chance to defend himself.
