The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has fixed Thursday, September 25, 2025, for the arraignment of five retired senior police officers accused of falsifying their ages to extend their service years.
Those to be arraigned are retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Idowu Owohunwa, retired Commissioners of Police Benneth Igwe and Ukachi Opara, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Obo Ukam Obo, and retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Simon Lough.
The charges, filed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, allege that the officers altered their official records to remain in service beyond the mandatory retirement period. A total of 14 counts have been brought against them under the Penal Code.
According to court documents, Owohunwa allegedly declared July 20, 1970, as his date of birth instead of his real birth year, while Igwe is accused of changing his birth year from 1964 to 1968. Lough reportedly adjusted his date of birth from May 14, 1967, to May 14, 1969.
The case followed a petition from the civil society group Integrity Youth Alliance, which claimed the officers deliberately manipulated their records.
The accused have denied the allegations. Owohunwa admitted there was a “mix-up” in his records but maintained that his date of appointment was accurate. Igwe and Lough also argued that their records were misinterpreted.
Despite their defence, the police insist the discrepancies are criminal and must be addressed in court.