Sh*ckwaves In Police Force: AIGs Igweh, Owohunwa, And Four Others Face Possible Dismissal Or Demotion

Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) Benneth Igweh, Idowu Owohunwa, and four other senior officers are facing potential demotion or dismissal over allegations of age falsification and violation of service regulations.

Sources at the Force Headquarters confirmed to The Whistler that a wireless message dated February 7, 2025, instructed the officers to appear before the Police Disciplinary Committee.

The summoned officers include AIG Benneth Igweh, AIG Idowu Owohunwa, DCP Simon Lough (SAN), CP Aina Emmanuel, CP Salama Abdul, and Adepoju Olugbenga. They were directed to attend the hearings in proper uniform, strictly adhering to dress code regulations.

The disciplinary hearings are scheduled from Monday, February 10, to Thursday, February 13, 2025.

A source revealed that after the committee’s review, the officers might face demotion to the ranks at which they were originally due to retire. Additionally, they could be required to refund salaries received during their extended time in service.

“Once the disciplinary process is complete, the officers will face demotion and possible dismissal. They’ll be downgraded to their rightful retirement ranks and ordered to reimburse the police for salaries earned during the unauthorized extension of service,” the source said.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) had approved the immediate retirement of officers who had either reached the 35-year service limit or turned 60 as of January 31, 2025. Subsequently, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun issued a directive on February 1, 2025, mandating the retirement of all affected personnel.

However, the implicated officers refused to step down, citing IGP Egbetokun’s own tenure extension as justification for remaining in office.