In a decisive move to enforce discipline and service regulations within the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has constituted a disciplinary committee to investigate senior police officers who have exceeded the mandatory retirement age or years of service but have refused to step down.
According to an internal police communication obtained by Sahara Reporters, several high-ranking officers—including Simon Lough (SAN), Benneth Igweh, Idowu Owohunwa, Aina Emmanuel, Salama Wakili Abdul, and Adepoju Olugbenga—are expected to appear before the committee between Monday, February 10, and Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
These officers, some of whom are accused of falsifying their records to extend their time in service, were initially directed to retire following a Police Service Commission (PSC) decision. However, they allegedly manipulated their records to bypass regulations, prompting Egbetokun to take a firmer stance.
An IGP signal released on Friday, February 7, 2025, detailed the disciplinary measures being undertaken. The memo, marked as highly important, directed the affected officers to appear in full uniform before the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) at 10:00 AM daily at the IGP’s Conference Hall, 7th Floor, Force Headquarters, Abuja. The directive emphasized strict adherence to the dress code.
The move follows a previous order from the IGP on February 1, 2025, which mandated the immediate retirement of officers who had reached 60 years of age or served for 35 years. The directive, signed by CP Bode Akinbamilowo on behalf of the IGP, was addressed to senior police officials across the country, urging full compliance.
Reports indicate that over 300 police officers are implicated in an age falsification scandal, a widespread issue within the Nigeria Police Force. Among the most prominent names is Simon Lough (SAN), Head of the NPF Legal Section, alongside AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Abdul Yari, and others.
An internal memo obtained by Sahara Reporters revealed that the IGP’s Monitoring Unit had been tasked with investigating these officers, some of whom have allegedly spent up to 45 years in service. Sources claim that Igweh, now over 70 years old, and Lough manipulated their records to remain in office. Idowu Owohunwa allegedly altered his documents to push his retirement date to 2029.
Following the PSC’s extraordinary meeting, sources disclosed that police authorities plan to quietly retire the implicated officers while enforcing financial accountability. Those who overstayed their service periods will be required to repay salaries and benefits received during their unauthorized tenure.
Additionally, AIG Abdul Yari faces demotion to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) as part of the disciplinary measures.
The PSC, chaired by retired DIG Hashimu Argungu and comprising retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), and others, has upheld its stance on strict adherence to public service rules. The Commission’s resolution aligns with Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.
The ongoing investigation underscores the IGP’s commitment to restoring integrity and discipline within the force. With the disciplinary committee now in session, all eyes are on Abuja as the fate of the implicated officers unfolds.
PIONEER NEWS 