The Nigeria Police Force has launched an investigation into allegations of record backdating involving senior officers, including Simon Lough, SAN, Head of the Legal Section.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun initiated the probe following a report from the Integrity Youth Alliance, a civic group based in Abuja.
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Allegations Against Senior Officers
A memo dated January 13, 2025, and signed by AIG Olofu Rhoda, Force Secretary, revealed that prominent officers such as Simon Lough, SAN; AIG Abdul Yari; AIG Idowu Owohunwa; AIG Ben Igwe; CP Peter Ukachi Opara; CP Obo Obo Ukani; and ACP Akpan Brown are accused of altering their records to delay retirement.
The practice allegedly allowed them to remain in service beyond the mandatory 35 years or the age of 60, in violation of Public Service Rules.
According to SaharaReporters, records show that Lough was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on January 8, 1987, meaning he should have retired on January 8, 2022. However, conflicting reports suggest he claimed to have been enlisted as a Cadet Officer in 2000, creating an 18-year discrepancy in his service timeline.
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Integrity Youth Alliance’s Concerns
The Integrity Youth Alliance expressed concerns about the manipulation of records, stating, “This deliberate act of deception undermines the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force and questions the credibility of information provided by police personnel.”
The group cited Public Service Rules, emphasizing that no officer should remain in service beyond 35 years or after reaching 60 years of age. They urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure strict compliance with these regulations.
This is not the first time Simon Lough has faced allegations of misconduct. In February 2024, he was accused of abusing his office by orchestrating an illegal arrest and manipulating judicial processes against a citizen.
Legal documents revealed that Lough filed a motion ex-parte to justify the detention of a citizen, raising questions about his professional ethics.
Implications and Public Reaction
The ongoing investigation has drawn attention to systemic issues within the Nigeria Police Force. Critics argue that the alleged backdating of records reflects a broader culture of impunity, which undermines trust in the Force.
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The Inspector-General of Police is expected to make the findings of the investigation public and take appropriate disciplinary action against any officers found guilty of violating Public Service Rules.
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