A Nigerian court has rejected a request by the Inspector General of Police to issue arrest warrants for five former senior police officers accused of falsifying their ages to remain in service. Justice Halilu Yusuf of the Federal Capital Territory High Court turned down the request, citing improper service of charges against the defendants. The five former officers, including a former Assistant Inspector General of Police and three former commissioners of police, are facing 14 counts of conspiracy, age falsification, and forgery.

The defendants, who are retired from the Nigeria Police Force, were not present in court for their arraignment, prompting the prosecutor to request arrest warrants. However, the defense counsel, Terkaa Aondo, argued that the prosecution had not properly served the defendants with the charges, as required by law. Aondo contended that the charges were sent to the defendants via WhatsApp messages, which is not a valid mode of service.

Justice Yusuf agreed with the defense counsel, ruling that the matter requires personal service on the defendants. The judge also noted that the police have the apparatus to arrest and bring the defendants to court for their arraignment. The case has been adjourned to November 17, 2025, for the arraignment of the defendants.

The charges against the defendants include conspiracy, age falsification, and forgery, with some counts alleging that they falsified their ages and documents to remain in service beyond their retirement dates. The prosecution alleges that the defendants benefited from their illegal actions, including receiving privileges and benefits associated with their offices.

The case highlights the issue of age falsification in the Nigerian public service, particularly in the police force. The Nigerian government has been working to address the issue, including implementing measures to verify the ages of public servants. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for similar cases in the future.

The defendants are AIG Idowu Owohunwa, CP Benneth Igweh, CP Ukachi Peter Opara, DCP Obo Ukam Obo, and ACP Simon A. Lough. They are accused of committing the offenses between 1999 and 2025, while serving in the Nigeria Police Force. The case is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address corruption and misconduct in the Nigerian public service.