NPSC clarifies Supreme Court appeal on police oversight responsibilities

NPSC clarifies Supreme Court appeal on police oversight responsibilities - National Police Service Commission Chairperson Amani Yuda Komora, when he appeared before the Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security on September 9, 2025. (Photo: NPSC)

The NPSC said it was seeking authoritative clarification from the Supreme Court on the constitutional responsibilities of the two institutions and the checks and balances established under the Constitution.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has clarified that its appeal to the Supreme Court over its constitutional mandate is not an institutional contest or an attempt to interfere with the Inspector-General's independence.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 30, the NPSC said it was seeking authoritative clarification from the Supreme Court on the constitutional responsibilities of the two institutions and the checks and balances established under the Constitution.

The Commission has filed a Notice of Appeal following the Court of Appeal's dismissal of consolidated appeals on October 16, 2026, upholding an Employment and Labour Relations Court judgment on the respective roles of the Commission and the Inspector-General in the management of police officers.

“The pursuit of appellate redress is neither an institutional contest nor an attempt to interfere with the Inspector-General’s independent command,” the Commission said, adding that the appeal was being pursued in the public interest.

The dispute centres on the interpretation of Articles 245, 246 and 249 of the Constitution, which provide for the Inspector-General's independent command of the National Police Service (NPS), the Commission's human resource management mandate and the independence of constitutional commissions.

In a statement signed by Commission Chairperson Dr Amani Yuda, the NPSC said the constitutional provisions established distinct but complementary responsibilities intended to promote professionalism, accountability, meritocracy and transparency in police administration.

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On October 30 last year, the Employment and Labour Relations Court delivered a judgment addressing the respective mandates of the Commission and the Inspector-General, including recruitment and other human resource functions relating to police officers.

The Commission challenged the decision, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the consolidated appeals on October 16, 2026, effectively upholding the lower court's ruling.

It believes the judgment raises significant constitutional questions with implications for fairness, accountability and the future of police reforms, warranting a final determination by the Supreme Court.

“The judgment raises weighty constitutional questions about the interpretation of Articles 245, 246 and 249, and the safeguards intended to promote fairness, meritocracy, accountability and professionalism in the Service. These questions extend beyond the human resource functions. Given their significance for constitutional governance and the future of police reforms, they merit authoritative and final determination by the Supreme Court. The Commission has since filed a Notice of Appeal to obtain that clarification in the public interest,” the statement added.

The NPSC maintained that it was established under the 2010 Constitution as an independent body responsible for human resource management in the National Police Service, including recruitment, appointments, promotions, transfers, disciplinary control and the removal of officers.

"The Commission respects the decisions of the courts and remains committed to the Constitution and the rule of law. Its pursuit of appellate redress is neither an institutional contest nor an attempt to interfere with the Inspector-General's independent command. It seeks clarity on the respective constitutional responsibilities of the institutions and the preservation of the checks and balances established under the Constitution," the statement further stated.

Yuda also reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen professionalism, accountability and effective policing, while safeguarding reforms aimed at building an impartial police service that commands public confidence.