Sahara Reporters has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that The Nigeria Police Force has been thrown into fresh controversy following the dismissal and forced retirement of seven senior officers, including Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Idowu Owohunwa and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Simon Lough. The move, which has sent shockwaves through the security establishment, is widely seen as part of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s strategy to consolidate his grip on power.
According to a police wireless message dated March 4, 2025, and dispatched to zonal and state commands, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other relevant bodies, the affected officers were retired based on the “Decisions of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Police Service Commission (PSC) held on Thursday, February 20, 2025.”
The full list of those axed includes:
AIG Idowu Owohunwa – Retired with effect from February 10, 2025.
CP Benneth Igweh C. – Retirement backdated to May 1, 2023.
CP Aina Emmanuel A. – Retired February 10, 2025.
CP Salama Wakili Abdul – Retired February 26, 2025.
ACP Simon A. Lough (SAN) – Retirement backdated to August 1, 2022.
ACP Dakon Philip Sarpiwefa – Retired on an undisclosed date.
ACP Grace O. Ejiofor – Retired on an undisclosed date.
The Political Undertones Behind the Purge
SaharaReporters previously revealed that AIG Owohunwa, who was in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, had become a target of the IGP. Sources say Egbetokun viewed him as a “threat” and a potential rival. His failure to secure a promotion to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) sealed his fate, as the PSC declined to elevate him, effectively paving the way for his removal.
However, while Egbetokun has been swift in enforcing retirements, his own extended stay in office has become a subject of controversy. Insiders within the force and the presidency have begun questioning why the IGP himself remains in office despite reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
Sources disclosed that Egbetokun “narrowly escaped being sacked” due to the intervention of First Lady Remi Tinubu, with whom he reportedly shares a close relationship. According to a senior government source, “The IGP almost lost his job, but the First Lady intervened. Now, he is more confident than ever and is making strategic moves to secure his position.”
A Systemic Power Play: Egbetokun’s Strategic Appointments
In the wake of these mass retirements, the PSC swiftly approved the appointment of six new DIGs:
Sadiq Idiris Abubakar
Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo
Williams Adebowale
Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali
Idegwu Basil Ukuoma
Adebola Ayinde Hamzat
This development follows a series of controversial retirements of high-ranking officers, including DIGs Dasuki Galandachi, Ali Ari Muhammed, Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Jonathan Towuru, Suleiman Yusuf, Banji Lawal Badru, and Bala Ciroma. These retirements were widely interpreted as part of a deliberate effort to sideline officers perceived as obstacles to Egbetokun’s power consolidation.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported a growing rebellion within the Nigeria Police Force, as hundreds of senior officers resisted forced retirements despite being found guilty of age falsification and service rule violations.
Some officers have reportedly served for up to 44 years, with many questioning why the IGP remains in office while aggressively pushing others out. Among them was DIG Galandachi, who requested a two-year service extension, citing Egbetokun’s own extension as a precedent. His request, however, was denied.
To further tighten his grip, Egbetokun ordered disciplinary hearings for officers refusing to comply with retirement directives. Leaked police signals indicate that over 467 officers were implicated in age falsification, including Simon Lough, Benneth Igweh, and several others.
The controversy surrounding Egbetokun’s extended stay in office stems from the amendment of the Police Act by the National Assembly in 2024. Previously, the IGP was expected to retire at age 60, but under the new law, the officeholder is guaranteed a full four-year tenure from the date of appointment.
Egbetokun, who was appointed on October 31, 2023, now has his tenure secured until October 31, 2027, despite widespread criticism. Critics argue that the amendment was designed to protect Egbetokun’s stay while selectively enforcing retirements on others.
With tensions rising within the force, questions linger over whether the IGP’s hold on power is sustainable. While he has successfully removed perceived threats, the growing dissent among senior officers, coupled with accusations of favoritism and undue political influence, could spell trouble for his leadership.
Observers warn that if the situation escalates, it could lead to internal instability within the force, potentially affecting national security. As the dust settles on this latest round of retirements, all eyes remain on the presidency and the PSC to see if further shake-ups are on the horizon.
For now, Egbetokun stands firm, wielding his influence—but for how long?
PIONEER NEWS 