IGP orders probe of INTERPOL boss, 7 police officers

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate investigation of the Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), AIG Idowu Owohunwa, and seven other senior police officers.

The investigation follows allegations that these officers engaged in the unethical practice of backdating their history records.

According to a memo sent to the head of the IGP Monitoring Unit on January 13, 2025, the officers in question include AIG Abdul Yari, AIG Ben Igwe, CP Peter Ukachi Opara, CP Obo Obo Ukani, DCP Simon Asamber Lough (SAN), and ACP Akpan Brown. The memo, signed by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Secretary, AIG Olofu Rhoda, directs the IGP Monitoring Unit to investigate and furnish findings by Monday, January 20, 2025.

It is understood that the investigation followed a letter from the Integrity Youth Alliance, a civic group based in Abuja, dated January 6, 2025. The group had accused the officers of backdating their history records in violation of the Public Service Rules.

The memo said, “The Inspector-General of Police directs you to investigate and furnish findings not later than Monday 20th January 2025, please.”

“It is pertinent to note that “Force Entrant” is a scheme by the Nigeria Police Force where deserving officers with requisite educational records are upgraded to a higher cadre after a brief training period at the Police Academy or at any approved Police College, and as such, it is not a fresh appointment.

“Essentially, this implies that the service duration of such officers continues counting and does not automatically restart.

“Therefore, according to the Public Service Rules (7 Rule 020810 of Chapter two), the under-listed, having served in the public service and received salaries as required by law, cannot remain in service beyond the legally permitted period.

“Regarding our letter dated 30th December 2024, below are some of the names of police personnel who engaged in the unethical practice of backdating their history records: AIG Abdui Yari, AIG Idowu Owohunwa, AIG Ben Igwe, CP Peter Ukachi Opara, CP Obo Obo Ukani, DCP Simon Asamber Lough (SAN) and ACP Akpan Brown.”

The development follows the suspension of Abdulyari from the force with effect from January 9, 2025, following similar allegations of backdating records.