Abuja Court Orders Police Chief to Produce Retired AIG Accused of Impersonation

Abuja, Nigeria — A Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Federal Capital Territory, has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the presence of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Oyediran Oyeyemi, in court, following allegations that he falsely presented himself as a serving officer.

The order was issued on Wednesday after the court reviewed arguments presented by counsel to the complainant, Mr. Anthony Agbazuere, who maintained that Oyeyemi—retired since March 3, 2024—has continued to parade himself in official capacities as if still in active service.

According to the complaint filed by Uche Ezike, a private citizen, Oyeyemi allegedly authored a letter dated May 6, 2024, wherein he identified himself as an Assistant Inspector-General without disclosing his retirement status. Ezike contended that this act constituted deliberate misrepresentation and demanded legal accountability.

During the latest proceedings, the absence of the defendant prompted Agbazuere to seek a warrant of arrest, stressing that Oyeyemi had been duly served with a court summons on July 24 but failed to appear.

Agbazuere further alleged that the retired officer still dons the official police uniform and prominently displays it in his office in his capacity as Secretary of the Police Cooperative Society. He claimed Oyeyemi’s continued use of police insignia misleads the public and breaches Section 132 of the Penal Code, which prohibits impersonation.

Magistrate Sunday Adukwu, while acknowledging Oyeyemi’s prior rank, emphasized that the nature of the allegations required his personal appearance in court. The judge subsequently instructed the IGP to produce the defendant on September 8, when the case is scheduled to resume for further hearing.

The unfolding legal battle has ignited wider discussion about post-retirement conduct, institutional accountability, and the importance of integrity within the nation’s law enforcement ranks.

By Adeola Olaniya | July 31, 2025