Usman Alkali Baba, Inspector General of Police, has ordered the reinstatement of three Special Protected Unit (SPU) officers who were terminated for insubordination.
The misbehavior of the officers attached to Dauda Rarara, a popular musician from Kano, was captured on a viral video in which they fired their weapons repeatedly into the air in the presence of civilians, including children.
On April 13, however, the officers identified as Inspector Dahiru Shuaibu, Sergeant Abdullahi Badamasi, and Sergeant Isah Danladi who were assigned to the SPU Base 1 in Kano were apprehended, subjected to an orderly room trial, and discharged.
In addition, a document from the office of the IGP dated May 25 and bearing the number AH: 6790/FPM/ FHQ/ABJ/VOL indicated the IGP's sanction of their return to the force.
The document signed by CP Shawulu Danmamman, who is responsible for Discipline and Reinstatement at the Police Force Headquarters, indicated that the approval went into effect on May 18.
Officers who are reinstated will not be entitled to back pay.
RE: Instatement Inspectorate/ Rank. and File. AP/No.186796 INSPR Dahiru Shainu. F/No. 276195 SGT Abdullahi Badmasi. F/No. 277774 SGT Isah Danladi' read:
"The Inspector General of Police has graciously considered the appeal against the dismissal of the above-named appellants and has approved their reinstatement without salary arrears effective May 18, 2023.
"They have been rewarded with a severe reprimand as punishment.
"You must document it and reinstate their compensation.
"It is an additional IGP directive that they be transferred from your unit to the police commands in the southern portion of the federation."
However, after their dismissal there were appeals for their reinstatement from unnamed senior officers and prominent citizens, including the Police Service Commission.
Numerous active police officers disapprove of this development because they believe it will encourage others with similar connections.