Okoli’s Retirement Sparks Fresh Debate On Police Oversight , Accountability

Abuja became a hub of policy reflection and institutional soul-searching on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, as senior public officials, lawmakers, jurists, security experts and civil society leaders converged at the corporate headquarters of the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The gathering, though celebratory in form, carried a deeper significance: it marked the retirement of Mrs. Anuli Elfreda Okoli, who started working with the Police Service Commission (PSC) on January 24th 2004-that’s roughly 22 years of public service, her 60th birthday, and the public presentation of her book, ‘Police Service Commission and Police Accountability in Nigeria’.

Rather than a routine valedictory ceremony, the event evolved into a platform for renewed national conversation on police oversight, democratic governance and the urgent need to strengthen accountability institutions. Again and again, speakers returned to a central message—that sustainable security cannot be achieved by force alone, but by law, professionalism and effective civilian oversight.

The intellectual anchor of the occasion was the presentation of Mrs. Okoli’s book, a publication drawn from decades of hands-on engagement with disciplinary processes, investigations and reform initiatives within the Police Service Commission.

The work combines scholarly analysis with lived institutional experience, offering a detailed examination of the constitutional mandate of the PSC and its critical role in promoting discipline, transparency and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.

Civil society leader, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, who described it as a timely and courageous contribution to Nigeria’s security sector reform discourse. He commended the author for bridging theory and practice, noting that the work demystified the operations of the PSC while offering practical insights for reform.

The Chief Launcher, Chief Ben Okoye (Onwa Nnewi), Chief Executive Officer of Brass Fertilizer & Petrochemical Company Limited, stressed that strong oversight institutions remain indispensable to national stability and democratic consolidation.

Earlier in the programme, the Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, welcomed guests and framed the book as more than a ceremonial publication. Emphasising the link between accountability and security, he warned that “power without accountability is not strength, but trouble postponed,” adding that no nation can resolve insecurity without firm institutional checks.

The opening remarks were delivered by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd.), represented by DIG Taiwo F. Lakanu (Rtd.), Honourable Commissioner II, PSC. He praised Mrs. Okoli’s discipline, professionalism and deep institutional knowledge, noting that her legacy would continue to shape policy and practice within the Commission long after her exit.

In recognition of her contributions, an Award of Service was presented to Mrs. Okoli, celebrating three decades marked by competence, integrity and steady leadership.

Chairman of the occasion, Distinguished Senator (Dr.) Victor Umeh, Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population and NIMC, who formally presented the book, (alongside some dignataries, describing it as both a historical record and a policy guide. Senator Umeh applauded the author for the courage to document institutional experience. He described the book as a challenge to policymakers to take police accountability seriously and move reform from rhetoric to action.

A documentary citation on Mrs. Okoli’s career was delivered by a former Director in the Commission, Mr. Maurice Archibong, tracing her professional journey and highlighting a career defined by quiet excellence, ethical conduct and commitment to public service.

Tributes followed from former Chairmen of the PSC, Chief (Dr.) Simon Okeke, and Alhaji Musiliu Smith (IGP Rtd.), alongside Her Excellency Dame Pauline Tallen, and Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC (Rtd.). They spoke of her resilience, humility and unwavering dedication to institutional integrity.

The event attracted an array of high-profile guests, including Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and Tony Nwoye, Ambassador Dr. Kemafo Nonyerem “Kema” Chikwe, senior judges such as Hon. Justice Uzoamaka Ifeyinwa Ndukwe-Anyanwu, Hon. Justice C. N. Oji, Frank Nweke (former Minister), Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, member of the House of Representatives, as well as top security officials. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, mni, was represented by AIG Victor Olaiya, Assistant Inspector-General in charge of Zone 7, Abuja.

Beyond reflections on the past, Mrs. Okoli used the occasion to outline her post-retirement path. She announced the launch of the Beneddette Ezewuzie Legacy Foundation (BEL Foundation) in memory of her mother. According to her, BEL Foundation is a philanthropic initiative dedicated to empowerment and social impact. She also disclosed her transition into human resource consultancy through Handelfreda Nig. Ltd., alongside a venture into the fashion industry under the brand “The Klosette” .

A personal highlight of the ceremony came when Mrs. Okoli cut her 60th birthday cake alongside her husband, Chief Handel Okoli, Esq., symbolising both closure and continuity.

As the evening concluded with a grand reception, a shared sentiment echoed among participants: Mrs. Anuli Okoli’s retirement does not signal an end, but a transition. Through her book, her institutional legacy and her post-service initiatives, she leaves behind more than accolades—she leaves a challenge to strengthen accountability, respect constitutional institutions and pursue justice with integrity.

In Abuja that day, the presentation of “Police Service Commission and Police Accountability in Nigeria” stood not only as a tribute to a distinguished career, but as a call to action in Nigeria’s continuing quest for credible and accountable security governance.