Controversy Surrounds Retirement of Senior Police Officers Amid Power Struggles
The Nigeria 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. Others affected by this decision 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.
This development was communicated through a police wireless message dated March 4, 2025, and disseminated to zonal commands, state commands, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and other relevant authorities. The message referenced decisions made during an extraordinary meeting of the Police Service Commission (PSC) held on February 20, 2025.
Power Consolidation Allegations
Sources within the force have linked these retirements to the ongoing power struggle under Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Reports suggest that Owohunwa, previously the AIG in charge of Zone 12 Bauchi, was seen as a significant rival to Egbetokun and was ultimately retired after failing to secure promotion to Deputy Inspector General (DIG). The PSC’s refusal to elevate Owohunwa allegedly paved the way for his forced retirement.
There are growing concerns over Egbetokun’s continued stay in office despite surpassing the official retirement age of 60. Critics argue that while he has enforced strict retirement policies on others, he has maneuvered to extend his own tenure.
Political Influence Behind Egbetokun’s Stay
Insider sources claim that Egbetokun narrowly escaped removal from office due to the intervention of First Lady Remi Tinubu, with whom he is said to have close ties. According to a senior government official, the First Lady’s influence played a decisive role in ensuring Egbetokun retained his position. With renewed confidence, the IGP has reportedly been making strategic moves to consolidate his authority by removing perceived rivals.
Reshuffling and Resistance within the Force
Following the retirements, the PSC approved the appointment of six new DIGs to replace those forced out. The newly appointed DIGs are Sadiq Idiris Abubakar, Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, Williams Adebowale, Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali, Idegwu Basil Ukuoma, and Adebola Ayinde Hamzat.
However, tensions persist within the police force as numerous senior officers continue to resist retirement, even after being implicated in cases of age falsification and other infractions. Reports indicate that some officers have served for up to 44 years, sparking internal disputes over enforcement of service rules. Notably, former DIG Dasuki Galandanchi reportedly sought a two-year service extension, citing Egbetokun’s own extended tenure as precedent. His request, however, was denied.
In response, Egbetokun ordered the redeployment of officers to fill positions vacated by those implicated in age forgery and rule violations. Official documents suggest that at least 467 officers, including Simon Lough and Benneth Igweh, were identified in an internal review of falsified birth records and service documents.
Legal and Policy Implications
Egbetokun’s tenure extension remains a controversial issue, particularly after the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024. The revised law grants an IGP a fixed four-year tenure from the date of appointment, irrespective of age. Consequently, Egbetokun, appointed on October 31, 2023, now has his term secured until October 31, 2027.
Despite this legal backing, opposition within the force continues to mount, with many questioning the fairness of enforcing retirement rules selectively. Critics argue that the IGP’s actions have exacerbated internal tensions and may undermine morale within the force.
As the controversy unfolds, the Nigeria Police Force faces increased scrutiny over its internal governance and adherence to service regulations. The forced retirements and selective tenure extensions raise pressing questions about fairness, political interference, and the future of leadership within the institution.
Reference
Controversy Surrounds Retirement of Senior Police Officers Amid Power Struggles