An Abuja High Court has ordered the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to ensure the appearance of five retired senior police officers who are facing serious allegations, including age falsification and forgery.
Justice Yusuf Halilu, who presided over the case on Tuesday, gave the directive after the prosecution raised concerns about the accused persons failing to show up in court despite being properly served.
“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 has been adjourned to September 25, 2025.
The five retired officers, listed in the 14-count charge, are:
– AIG Idowu Owohunwa (Rtd)
– CP Benneth Igweh (Rtd)
– CP Ukachi Peter Opara (Rtd)
– DCP Obo Ukam Obo (Rtd)
– ACP Simon A. Lough SAN (Rtd)
They are being charged with conspiracy, falsification of age, and document forgery.
Prosecuting counsel, Rimamsomte Ezekiel, told the court that the officers were all served with the charges the previous week and were duly informed to appear for arraignment.
“They were all served with the charge last Thursday. We expected them here today, but none of them showed up,” Ezekiel said.
He added that while the prosecution was reluctant to request a bench warrant at this stage since the defendants had not yet been formally arraigned—he asked the court for an adjournment to allow time to bring them in.
Justice Halilu granted the request and highlighted the need for the matter to proceed without delay.