By George Ozalla
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has cautioned individuals and groups against hiring crowds or staging protests at its Corporate Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, stressing that such actions will not influence its decisions or investigations.
According to a press statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that police officers are held accountable for their actions and inactions, but warned that it would not condone what it described as a “disturbing and unfolding theatrics of crowd renting and demonstrations” at its premises.
Chairman of the Commission, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu, mni, issued the warning following an incident in which an apparently rented crowd besieged the PSC headquarters demanding the constitution of a Special Investigation Panel within 48 hours to probe alleged cases of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office, robbery, and terrorism involving the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Shendam, Plateau State.
Argungu, while addressing the development, stated that although aggrieved individuals or groups have the right to seek redress and submit petitions to the Commission, resorting to street demonstrations and hired protests was unacceptable. He emphasized that the PSC headquarters is not an arena for demonstrations and urged complainants to respect laid-down procedures in the pursuit of justice.
The PSC Chairman also advised the aggrieved parties to have first lodged their complaints with the Commissioner of Police in Plateau State before approaching the Commission. He maintained that the PSC would not be intimidated by any form of public pressure or crowd manipulation.
The statement disclosed that the Commission had officially written to the DPO, DCO, and other officers mentioned in the petition from Shendam Division, directing them to respond to the allegations against them.
Argungu assured that the Commission would conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter to ensure that justice is served.
The Police Service Commission, established under the Nigerian Constitution, is responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of officers in the Nigeria Police Force, excluding the Inspector-General of Police. It serves as a civilian oversight body ensuring accountability, fairness, and professionalism within the Force.
