By Erewunmi Peace

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has initiated legal proceedings against five retired senior police officers accused of falsifying their ages to extend their service years.

The officers named in the case are AIG Idowu Owohunwa (Rtd), CP Benneth Igwe (Rtd), CP Ukachi Peter Opara (Rtd), DCP Obo Ukam Obo (Rtd), and ACP Simon A. Lough (Rtd).

According to court filings, the officers allegedly altered their dates of birth and made false declarations in official records, enabling them to remain in service beyond their lawful retirement dates.

An Abuja High Court, presided over by Justice Sylvanus Oriji, has ordered the IGP to produce the accused officers for arraignment. The court has fixed 25 September 2025 for the commencement of trial on charges of conspiracy, forgery, and age falsification.

The case has generated public interest as it touches on accountability within Nigeria’s security institutions. While the allegations are yet to be proven, the arraignment is expected to test the system’s resolve in handling cases of misconduct involving top officers.

Observers say the outcome of the trial could set a precedent for how similar allegations are addressed in the future.