The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has directed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to produce five retired senior police officers for arraignment over allegations of age falsification.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the order was issued on Tuesday by Justice Yusuf Halilu after the accused officers failed to appear in court.
In May, the IGP filed a 14-count charge against several retired officers, accusing them of age falsification, forgery, and manipulation of official records.
Those named in the charge include Idowu Owohunwa (AIG), Benneth Igweh (CP), Ukachi Peter Opara (CP), Obo Ukam Obo (DCP), and Simon A. Lough (ACP).
At the resumed hearing on Tuesday, prosecuting counsel Rimamsomte Ezekiel informed the court that all defendants had been duly served with the charges.
“They were all served with the charge last week Thursday. They were all informed to be in court today, but none of them is in court,” Ezekiel stated.
“We find it difficult to ask for a bench warrant because they have not been arraigned before this court.”
Justice Halilu emphasized the prosecutor’s responsibility to ensure the defendants appear in court.
“You are the prosecutor. You should do all within your powers to ensure that the defendants attend court on the next adjourned date for the purpose of arraignment,” the judge said.
The case was adjourned to September 25, 2025, for the arraignment of the five retired officers.