Senior Police Officers Defy Retirement Order Amid Age Falsification Scandal

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 12, Bauchi State, Idowu Owohunwa, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Simon Lough, have refused to retire despite being implicated in an age falsification scandal. Reports from the Force Headquarters in Abuja indicate that both officers remain in their positions, ignoring directives to step down.

Nigeria Police Officers Anticipate Resignations Following Disciplinary Review

This development comes after at least seven Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) were forced to retire from the Nigeria Police Force following unsuccessful attempts to secure tenure extensions. Among those who retired on Monday were DIGs Galandachi, Ali Ari Muhammed, Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Jonathan Towuru (representing the South-South geopolitical zone), Suleiman Yusuf, Banji Lawal Badru, and Bala Ciroma.

Defiant Officers Ignore Directives Amid Growing Pressure

Sources revealed that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered the retirement and redeployment of officers found guilty of altering records to extend their service beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 or the maximum tenure of 35 years. However, Owohunwa and Lough continue to occupy their positions despite these directives.

According to SaharaReporters, a top source disclosed that some senior officers, including DIG Ali Ari Muhammed, Jonathan Towuru, Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, and Dasuki Galandanchi, were asked to leave a police meeting on Monday. Towuru, who served in the Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), stepped down without returning after a senior officers’ retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

It was also revealed that DIG Banji Lawal Badru and Bala Ciroma were among those who retired, with their replacements expected to be announced by the Police Service Commission.

Legal Unit Head Continues Duties Despite Retirement Order

Simon Lough, the Head of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Legal Unit, has continued to represent the police in court despite being officially directed to retire. His name was reportedly included in a list of approximately 467 Nigerian police officers implicated in the scandal, many of whom have quietly retired to avoid public scrutiny.

Investigations revealed that these officers were involved in fraudulent modifications of official records to extend their years of service. While some affected officers have complied with the retirement order, others, like Owohunwa and Lough, have refused to step down.

The IGP’s crackdown on service regulation violations, age falsification, and forgery is expected to lead to more dismissals and legal actions in the coming weeks. However, the refusal of some implicated officers to vacate their positions raises concerns about discipline and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.