Police officers forgery prosecution case stalls as judge orders IGP to produce five ex-officers in court after they fail to appear for arraignment

Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Abuja High Court has ordered the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the appearance of five retired senior officers facing forgery-related charges.

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This directive followed the failure of the accused to attend a scheduled arraignment on Tuesday, despite receiving formal notification.

The case, officially known as the police officers forgery prosecution case, involves a 14-count charge against five retired officers: AIG Idowu Owohunwa, CP Benneth Igweh, CP Ukachi Peter Opara, DCP Obo Ukam Obo, and ACP Simon A. Lough. The charges include conspiracy, age falsification, and forgery.

During Tuesday’s session, prosecution counsel Rimamsomte Ezekiel informed the court that the defendants were properly served the charge last week. He noted their failure to appear in court without offering any explanation or legal representation.

“They were all served with the charge last week, on Thursday. They were all informed to be in court today, but none of them is in court,” Mr Ezekiel told the court.

Justice Halilu expressed dissatisfaction with the development and placed the responsibility squarely on the Inspector-General of Police to act decisively.

“You are the prosecutor, you should do all within your powers to ensure that the defendants attend court on the next adjourned date for the purpose of arraignment,” the judge remarked.

Although the prosecution stopped short of requesting a bench warrant due to the absence of prior arraignment, Mr Ezekiel did request a short adjournment. This, he said, would give the prosecution more time to secure the defendants’ presence in court.

The police officers forgery prosecution case is attracting public interest due to the high-ranking status of the accused. The charges suggest significant breaches of ethical and legal standards within the force, particularly relating to integrity and official documentation.

Justice Halilu granted the adjournment and set a new hearing date for September 25. On that day, the court expects that all five defendants will appear to face the charges against them.

Court observers noted that while the prosecution’s decision not to pursue a bench warrant was within legal norms, the judge’s tone made it clear that further absences may not be tolerated.

The IGP, who initiated the case, is now under scrutiny to ensure that those named in the police officers forgery prosecution case are brought before the court.

Legal analysts say this moment will test the willingness of the police force to hold its former top ranks accountable under the law.

A court official familiar with the matter commented off the record: “This is a test of institutional integrity. The law must apply to everyone, regardless of rank or retirement.”

The case underscores growing public demand for transparency and accountability, especially within Nigeria’s security services. While the IGP’s move to charge the officers is seen as a step in the right direction, the true test lies in whether the legal process proceeds without interference or delay.

Should the prosecution fail to produce the accused at the next sitting, the court may have to explore stronger measures, including issuing arrest warrants.

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As the police officers forgery prosecution case progresses, all eyes will remain on the High Court’s next session. It will likely set the tone for how senior officers, past or present, are treated when facing criminal allegations.