The heartbreaking story of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Moses Ambakina Jitoboh’s forced retirement and posthumous reinstatement by the National Industrial Court exposes deep and painful systemic flaws within Nigeria’s institutions. DIG Jitoboh, once the most senior officer in the Nigeria Police Force, was tragically and unjustly retired in 2023 at the age of 53, a decision that was not rooted in his performance or ability but in a politically motivated maneuver to install a more politically aligned figure in the role of Inspector General of Police. The retirement of Jitoboh was a blatant political decision, orchestrated not out of necessity but to make room for Kayode Egbetokun’s appointment. This was not about what Jitoboh could or could not contribute, but about political agendas that disregarded his years of service, his experience, and his merit.

Despite having not yet reached the mandatory retirement age of 60, nor having served for 35 years, Jitoboh’s removal from office was unjust and deeply demoralizing. He had given his all to the Nigeria Police Force, yet he was discarded like an expendable item. After seeking justice, he fought tirelessly in the courts to challenge the illegal termination of his career. Yet, the legal battle was delayed, dragging on until his death on December 28, 2024. At just 54 years old, Jitoboh passed away two weeks before the verdict in his case was delivered. The truth is, it’s impossible to ignore the toll this prolonged injustice took on his physical and emotional well-being. It is no stretch to say that his death was, in part, the result of the crushing emotional strain and frustration of fighting against a system that appeared to have no regard for his rights or dignity.

While it is official protocol for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to express condolences in such situations, and the public messages of sympathy may reflect a sense of standard practice, the real, deeper background behind Jitoboh’s story cannot be ignored. He was forced out of his job at a time when he still had the right to serve, still had the dedication, and still had so much to contribute. The emotional pain of being so abruptly removed from the position he loved is immeasurable. What added to the weight of this injustice was the stark reality that a junior officer—someone who was promoted not based on merit but political manipulation—was installed in his place. This promotion, not a result of professional qualifications or service, but rather political games, would have undoubtedly been a source of immense personal and professional anguish for Jitoboh. How would it feel to watch, helpless, as someone who wasn’t necessarily qualified, who wasn’t there through the long, grueling years of service, climbed to the top? The weight of that emotional turmoil is beyond words.

In the face of such systemic injustice, Jitoboh’s life was consumed by stress—financial, legal, and emotional. It wasn’t just about the career he loved; it was about trying to reclaim what was unjustly taken from him. Fighting against a system that continued to delay justice, sitting in the uncertainty of legal battles, facing the profound loneliness of knowing the injustice done to him—it all took its toll. All of this, the frustration, the waiting, the emotional burden of seeing his career stolen away by political agendas, surely impacted his physical health. The chronic stress and the emotional toll of watching the job he dedicated his life to slip away—these are the invisible forces that can affect the body, mind, and soul.

The IGP, in his public statement expressing condolences for the death of Jitoboh, may indeed reflect an official sentiment of loss. The message may even sound sincere, acknowledging the contributions of both Jitoboh and Pastor Bola Longe. However, we all know the inner background to this tragic situation. It is one thing to express sympathy publicly; it is another to acknowledge the deeper, systemic issues that led to Jitoboh’s untimely and unjust removal. It is easy to send out official messages, but how often do we examine the emotional, physical, and psychological toll such systemic failures take on individuals? The true loss here is not just that of an officer—it is the personal, institutional, and moral loss of a nation that continues to let power and political manipulation rule over fairness, justice, and merit.

The reality is, Jitoboh’s death wasn’t just about his passing; it was the culmination of months of emotional suffering, financial uncertainty, legal battles, and the slow erosion of his dignity—all at the hands of a broken system. This isn’t a story of a man just losing a job. It’s a story of a person losing their identity, their sense of purpose, and ultimately, their life. It is not merely a loss for his family, but a tragic reflection of a justice system that has failed him in every sense of the word.

The situation surrounding Jitoboh’s forced retirement raises significant concerns about the very integrity of the Nigeria Police Force. His removal was not a result of any professional failings but of an underlying political and ethnic agenda. His forced retirement opened the door for the promotion of a junior officer, which may have been motivated by the desire to ensure that a more politically favorable candidate could step into the role. The message this sends is clear: in some institutions, loyalty to the political establishment takes precedence over professional merit, experience, and the ability to serve the country effectively.

Now, with the ruling vindicating Jitoboh’s fight for justice, the real question remains: How will those in power respond to the systemic issues highlighted by his case? Will the current Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, step up and take responsibility for the injustices that led to Jitoboh’s premature retirement? Will he speak out against a system that allowed such egregious actions to take place, or will he choose to remain silent and allow the cycle of political manipulation to continue unchecked?

The silence of those in power in the face of such blatant injustice only serves to perpetuate the problem. The political games that have been played for far too long within the Nigeria Police Force must come to an end. This is a moment for true leadership to shine. The question is: will it? How many more careers, how many more lives, must be sacrificed before those in power recognize the damage they are causing to the integrity of the police force and the country as a whole?

As Professor Chidi Odinkalu, former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), poignantly noted on January 13, 2025, “Ambakina Moses Jitoboh was the senior-most officer in @PoliceNG when he was prematurely retired in 2023. He sued. Judgment was due last month but wasn’t ready. Two weeks thereafter, Moses died prematurely at 54. Today, @NatIndCourtNig nullified his retirement & reinstated him. #RIP.” These words, shared by one of Nigeria’s leading human rights figures, echo the frustration that many Nigerians feel about a system that continuously fails its people, a system that continues to delay justice and perpetuate inequality. For Jitoboh, justice came too late, but his posthumous reinstatement remains a powerful symbol of the legal and moral victory he deserved.

The true cost of DIG Moses Ambakina Jitoboh’s forced retirement goes beyond his personal loss—it is a devastating loss to the entire nation. The promotion of junior officers, not based on merit but driven by political and ethnic considerations, sends a dangerous message about the state of leadership in Nigeria. It undermines the professionalism and integrity of the police force, creating divisions that harm its ability to protect and serve the people. This system of favoritism must end. Nigeria’s institutions must be restored to their rightful place as impartial, merit-based systems, where the best interests of the nation come before all else.

The Ijaw Diaspora mourns the loss of DIG Moses Ambakina Jitoboh, a man whose life embodied integrity, excellence, and a deep commitment to justice. His untimely death is a profound tragedy, not only for his family but for the Ijaw people across the world. From the United States to Europe, Ijaw communities have united in grief, lamenting the loss of a leader who could have redefined Nigeria’s police force. “Moses Jitoboh was one of our brightest, a man whose potential was denied by a system blinded by politics and tribalism,” they said. His repeated sidelining for the role of Inspector General, despite being the most qualified, has left the Ijaw people heartbroken. “His fight was our fight,” a leader in the UK said. “We lost a son who could have led us to a better future.”

His passing is a painful reminder of the systemic bias that continues to marginalize the Ijaw community. Yet, Moses Jitoboh was more than an officer—he was a symbol of hope, a voice for justice, and a beacon for change. His death does not erase the impact of his vision and his ideals. Even in death, his legacy continues to inspire, and his name will be remembered, day and night, by the Ijaw people. Rest in peace, Moses. Your fight was not in vain.

From the heights above, DIG Moses Ambakina Jitoboh now watches over us. Though taken from this world at the tender age of 54, his spirit remains unwavering. His life was tragically cut short, but it was filled with unwavering service and dedication to justice. From the heavens, he gazes down on President Bola Tinubu and IGP Kayode Egbetokun, speaking softly yet powerfully: “It took time, but I knew I was right. The injustice I faced, the battles I fought—my truth has always been clear. Well, I am gone now, but I hope you remember my name, day and night. My fight was not for myself, but for the integrity of the police force and the future of our nation. Remember my legacy, not just in passing, but in action. Let my name remind you that justice cannot be delayed, and integrity must always lead the way. Even from the heavens, I continue to stand for truth, reform, and a Nigeria where justice is not a game, but a reality.”

Jitoboh’s death must serve as a wake-up call to us all. The time for power games must end. We can no longer tolerate systems that sacrifice justice and fairness. Leadership in the Nigeria Police Force must be defined by integrity and dedication, not political or ethnic allegiances. This is the lasting legacy of DIG Moses Ambakina Jitoboh—justice, integrity, and reform. Let his story ignite a new era of transparency and fairness, one that honors the sacrifices of those who have given themselves to the service of the people.