The case between the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and five retired senior police officers facing a 14-count charge of alleged age falsification has been stalled over their failure to appear in court.
At Thursday’s proceedings, the Prosecution Counsel, Rimamsonte Ezekiel, informed the court that despite three adjournments, the defendants — Benneth Igwe, Simon Lough, Idowu Owohunwa, Ukachi Opara, and Obo Ukam — alongside others said to be at large, had not appeared. He urged the court to either proceed in their absence or issue a bench warrant for their arrest.
However, presiding judge, Justice Yusuf Halilu, declined, ruling that since the defendants were granted administrative bail by the police, it was the duty of the police to produce them in court.
Defence counsel and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Terkaa Aondo, argued that his clients had not been served with the charges and had filed a preliminary objection on the competence of the charges, which he said was already served on the prosecution.
Justice Halilu ruled that the court would not entertain the objection until the defendants were present and advised the defence to ensure their appearance at the next adjourned date.
The case was adjourned to November 17, 2025, for the arraignment of the defendants.
