The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has initiated a thorough probe into allegations of record backdating involving AIG Idowu Owohunwa, the Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau, AIG Abdul Yari, and five other senior officers. This directive, issued in a memo dated January 13, 2025, was signed by AIG Olofu Rhoda, the Force Secretary, and sent to the IGP Monitoring Unit.
The memo, obtained by Chronicles Reporters, lists AIG Owohunwa, AIG Yari, AIG Ben Igwe, CP Peter Ukachi Opara, CP Obo Obo Ukani, DCP Simon Asamber Lough (SAN), and ACP Akpan Brown as officers implicated in manipulating their service records. The investigation follows a petition by the Integrity Youth Alliance, a civic group based in Abuja, dated January 6, 2025.
According to the memo, the IGP instructed that findings from the investigation be submitted by January 20, 2025. It emphasized that “Force Entrant,” a scheme that upgrades officers based on educational qualifications, does not constitute a new appointment, and their service years continue to count. Public Service Rules stipulate that no officer can remain in service beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 or after 35 years of service.
The document highlighted specific instances where officers allegedly backdated their service histories, undermining the credibility of the police force.
AIG Yari’s Alleged Irregularities
Reports revealed that AIG Shuaya’u Lafia Abdulyari, from the North-Central region, is among those accused of altering retirement records to extend his tenure. Sources from the Force Headquarters disclosed that discrepancies in Abdulyari’s records have raised questions about his integrity.
Chronicles Reporters earlier reported that Abdulyari was suspended effective January 9, 2025, as communicated in a wireless message signed by the Force Secretary. The message directed the Budget and Payment Department to halt his salary immediately, pending the Force Disciplinary Committee’s decision.
Investigations show that Abdulyari’s retirement date, initially recorded as January 1, 2025, was mysteriously extended to December 31, 2025. Additionally, he reportedly absented himself from duty for over three months in 2017, contravening Public Service Rules. Despite receiving a query for his absence, he allegedly ignored it without consequences.
Sources claim Abdulyari manipulated his entry date into the police force to elongate his service period, a deliberate act of deception.
Concerns About Professionalism and Transparency
The Integrity Youth Alliance has called for strict enforcement of Public Service Rules, urging the police leadership to ensure officers adhere to retirement guidelines. Danjuma Lamido, the group’s spokesperson, emphasized the need for honesty within the force, noting that actions like backdating records erode public trust in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, sources indicate Abdulyari has been lobbying the Police Service Commission for leniency, even as his ambition to become the next DIG from the North-Central remains apparent.
Danjuma stated, “The Nigeria Police Force must uphold transparency under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership. Officers found guilty of unethical practices should face disciplinary actions promptly.”
The current DIG from the North-Central, Ari Mohammed Ali, assumed office after replacing DIG Ede Ayuba, who retired in October 2024.
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