By Anthony Ochela, Abuja
Five ex-senior police officers charged with alleged age falsification failed to appear for the third time for their arraignment before Justice Halilu Yusuf of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Maitama, Abuja.
They are AIG Idowu Owohunwa (Rtd), CP Benneth Igweh (Rtd), CP Ukachi Peter Opara (Rtd), DCP Obo Ukam Obo (Rtd), ACP Simon A. Lough SAN (Rtd)
They are listed as defendants in a 14 count-charge brought against them by the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
At the last adjourned date, Halilu had ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) do everything within his power to produce them for prosecution on charges against them.
That was after prosecution counsel, Rimamsomte Ezekiel, expressed disappointment that the defendants were absent in court, in spite of being served with the charge.
At the resumed sitting on Thursday, when the case was called, the defendants were no where in the court.
Ezekiel told the court that the five defendants have all been served with the charge as required by law and that they were expected to be in court for their arraignment.
He added this is the third time they were absent in court despite the assurances at the last sitting given by their counsel, Goddy Uche, SAN, that he would produce them at the next adjourned date.
He further told the court that the investigators that went to the residence of the defendants were told that they have vacated their various homes.
Ezekiel said the prosecution is considering a bench warrant.
Responding, counsel for the defendants, J.
T. Aondo, SAN, told the court that up until now, the defendants have not been served.
Aondo said this matter is the one that is rest on esprit de Corp and that former Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mike Okiro, is looking into the matter to see if it could be internally settled and told the court that he has a preliminary objection.
Responding, Ezekiel told the court that if the defendants were not served how then did they brief the counsel?
After listening to both parties, the judge told the defendant’s counsel, since they briefed him, he should make sure they come to court and take their plea.
Halilu added that after taking their plea, the court will take it up from there.
He subsequently, adjourned until Nov. 17 for arraignment.
In the charge marked: CR/353/2025 Owohunwa, Igwe, Opera, Obo and Lough are charged with among others, conspiracy, age falsification and forgery.
