Nigerian Police Force Announces Retirement of Seven Senior Officers Over Age Falsification and Service Rule Violations
The Nigerian Police Force has announced the retirement of seven senior officers, including Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Idowu Owohunwa and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Simon Lough. The other officers who have been retired are:
- Benneth Igweh C.: former Federal Capital Territory Police Commissioner
- CP Aina Emmanuel A.
- CP Salama Wakili Abdul
- ACP Dakon Philip Sarpiwefa
- ACP Grace O. Ejiofor
The retirement announcement was made through a police wireless message dated March 4, 2025, which cited the decisions of the Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Police Service Commission held on February 20, 2025.
According to sources, AIG Idowu Owohunwa’s retirement was a result of his failure to secure promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG), despite being seen as a threat to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay in office.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) had earlier issued a directive mandating the retirement of officers who have served for 35 years or reached the age of 60, in line with Public Service Rules.
This directive has led to the retirement of several senior officers, including Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), who were found guilty of age falsification, service rule violations, and other infractions.
IGP Egbetokun’s tenure has been marred by controversy, including the extension of his tenure by the National Assembly to delay his retirement.
Egbetokun was originally scheduled to retire in September 2024, but the National Assembly amended the Police Act to guarantee a full four-year tenure for the Inspector General of Police, irrespective of the standard civil service retirement age.
