The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the dismissal and forced retirement of seven senior officers, including Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Idowu Owohunwa and Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Simon Lough.
The other affected officers are Commissioner of Police (CP) Benneth Igweh C., CP Aina Emmanuel A., CP Salama Wakili Abdul, ACP Dakon Philip Sarpiwefa, and ACP Grace O. Ejiofor.
The development was communicated through a police wireless message dated March 4, 2025, which was distributed to zonal commands, state commands, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other relevant bodies. The message cited the decisions reached during an Extraordinary Meeting of the Police Service Commission (PSC) held on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
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According to the official communication:
“Grateful be informed that the underlisted senior police officers have been retired from the Force. W.E.F dates indicated against their names:
- AP/NO. 50645 AIG Idowu Owohunwa, W.E.F X 10/02/2025
- AP/NO 50703 CP Benneth Igweh C., W.E.F X 01/05/2023
- AP/NO 41704 CP Aina Emmanuel A., W.E.F X 10/02/2025
- AP/NO 41741 CP Salama Wakili Abdul, W.E.F X 26/02/2025
- AP/NO 57917 ACP Simon A. Lough (SAN), W.E.F X 01/08/2022
- AP/NO 57894 ACP Dakon Philip Sarpiwefa, W.E.F X 10/02/2025
- AP/NO 42600 ACP Grace O. Ejiofor, W.E.F X 10/02/2025.”
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Internal Power Struggles and Allegations of Favoritism
The forced retirements come amidst allegations of internal power struggles and favoritism under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Sources reveal that AIG Idowu Owohunwa, who was in charge of Zone 12 Bauchi, was a particular target. His retirement letter was reportedly prepared after he failed to secure a promotion to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
According to insiders, the Police Service Commission (PSC) declined to promote Owohunwa, which ultimately led to his removal. This move is seen as part of Egbetokun’s efforts to consolidate power by removing perceived threats to his position.
Reports also indicate that Egbetokun himself is facing scrutiny over allegations of age falsification and violation of service rules. Despite these controversies, his tenure was extended by the National Assembly through an amendment to the Police Act in 2024, allowing him to serve a full four-year term until October 31, 2027.
Intervention by First Lady Remi Tinubu
Sources within the presidency disclosed that Egbetokun narrowly avoided being removed from office due to the intervention of First Lady Remi Tinubu, who is reportedly a strong supporter of the IGP.
“The IGP almost lost his job, but the First Lady intervened,” a senior government source confirmed. “Now, he is more confident than ever and is making strategic moves to secure his position.”
Controversial Tenure Extension and Senior Officers’ Resistance
Egbetokun, who reached the statutory retirement age of 60 in September 2024, benefited from a revised Police Act that allows an IGP to serve a full four-year term irrespective of age. This has sparked dissatisfaction among senior officers who were forced to retire despite also seeking tenure extensions.
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SaharaReporters previously revealed that the PSC had approved the appointment of six new Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) to replace those recently retired. The newly appointed DIGs include Sadiq Idiris Abubakar, Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, Williams Adebowale, Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali, Idegwu Basil Ukuoma, and Adebola Ayinde Hamzat.
Age Falsification and Disciplinary Actions
The forced retirement of these senior officers follows an internal audit that implicated 467 officers in age falsification and other infractions. Among those affected were ACP Simon Lough (SAN) and CP Benneth Igweh C. The IGP had earlier ordered the replacement of these officers and instructed those refusing to retire to appear before a disciplinary committee.
Despite enforcing these strict measures on others, Egbetokun’s continued stay in office has raised questions about double standards. Several officers who were denied extensions argued that the IGP himself was allowed to remain in service despite similar allegations of age falsification.
Strategic Moves to Secure Power
A police insider reported that the IGP is now focused on eliminating remaining “rivals” within the force. “The IGP has made it clear that even if he eventually leaves, he will ensure that none of his fiercest rivals who lobbied for his position will succeed him,” the source added.
Egbetokun’s power consolidation has created ripples of discontent within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly among officers who believe they were unfairly targeted for retirement. Observers continue to monitor whether the growing dissent will impact the IGP’s position and future policy decisions.
As the situation unfolds, questions linger about the fairness of the process and whether the police leadership is genuinely committed to upholding the law or merely serving personal and political interests.
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