TDConcerned indigenes of Kabba community in Kogi State have formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police, requesting a copy of the pre-retirement (terminal) leave notice for Superintendent of Police (SP) Malik David Taiwo.
In a letter signed by Adesina Olugbenga of Soka Garden, Duste Alhaji, Abuja, the community emphasized that SP Taiwo, who enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on June 1, 1991, is due for retirement on June 1, 2026, having completed 35 years of service.
His date of birth is listed as May 27, 1972, making him eligible under the dual criteria of age and years of service stipulated in the Public Service Rules.
Key Points from the Petition
- Mandatory terminal leave: Under the Public Service Rules (PSR) 2021, Subsection 100238, officers nearing retirement must proceed on a three-month pre-retirement leave.
This period is designed to ensure a smooth transition, prevent conflicts of interest, and allow institutions to prepare for succession.
- Legal consequences: Failure to comply—whether by the officer or the employer—carries significant legal and administrative implications.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has consistently upheld the mandatory nature of terminal leave, ruling that denial or refusal constitutes a breach of statutory entitlement.
- Community interest: The Kabba indigenes stressed that SP Taiwo has “patriotically paid his dues” and is needed at home to serve in another capacity as their traditional ruler.
They believe he is well-suited for the role given his dual background as a police officer and lawyer.
- Demand for compliance: The petition insists that SP Taiwo should have applied for the leave by now.
It requested the Force Headquarters to furnish them with a copy of the notice to confirm adherence to the rules.
Warning of Action
The petition cautions that failure to provide the requested record will attract both legal and administrative action. Copies of the letter were also sent to:
- The Chairman, Police Service Commission (PSC)
- The Honourable Minister of Police Affairs
- The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command
- The Head, FID-STS
- The Director, Force Legal Department
This wide circulation underscores the seriousness of the community’s demand and their determination to escalate the matter if necessary.
Broader Context
Terminal leave has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria’s public service. While the rules are clear, enforcement has often been inconsistent.
Some officers continue to sign official documents or remain in active duty beyond the mandatory leave period, raising concerns about accountability and institutional discipline.
For communities like Kabba, the stakes are personal.
Beyond compliance with administrative rules, they see the retirement of their sons and daughters as an opportunity to reintegrate them into local leadership structures.
In SP Taiwo’s case, the community explicitly links his retirement to his anticipated role as a traditional ruler, blending modern public service with cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Kabba community’s demand highlights the importance of strict adherence to Nigeria’s Public Service Rules.
As SP Malik David Taiwo approaches retirement, the case underscores broader concerns about compliance with statutory entitlements.
It also brings to the fore the transparency of police administration and the role of communities in holding institutions accountable.
This petition may well serve as a test case for how seriously the Nigeria Police Force enforces pre-retirement leave provisions and whether communities can successfully demand accountability from national institutions.
