Two NGOs Petition IGP Over Alleged Age Falsification by CP Ehiede
Two non-governmental organisations, Safe The Soul Transparency and Eagle Eyes International Foundation, have formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, calling for an investigation into Commissioner of Police (CP) Ohiozoba Oyakhire Ehiede, the current Head of Legal at the Nigeria Police Force.
Allegations of Manipulated Birth Records
The NGOs allege that CP Ehiede falsified his date of birth to extend his tenure in service. According to the petitions, he reportedly altered his birth date from April 18, 1965, to September 18, 1965, in a deliberate attempt to postpone his official retirement from April to September 2025.
One petition, signed by the foundation’s Secretary, Mr. Josia Agim, and made available to journalists in Kaduna, claims the alteration contradicts Rule 100402(a) of the 2021 Public Service Rules.
“This inconsistency is a serious issue, especially given the recent actions taken against other officers implicated in similar acts,” Agim stated.
NGOs Cite Breach of Public Service Rules
The NGOs argue that official records as of November 2017 and August 2023 clearly listed April 18, 1965, as Ehiede’s birthdate. However, following his promotion to CP in August 2024, the record was allegedly changed to reflect the new date, allowing a five-month extension in service.
Another petition signed by the National Coordinator, Mr. Bolaji Mustapha, emphasized the severity of the allegations, especially in light of Ehiede’s position as head of the Legal Department a role that demands the highest standard of integrity.
Pattern of Forgery and Falsification in Police Ranks
The petitions arrive amidst growing scrutiny over age falsification and forgery within the Nigeria Police Force. Several senior officers have recently been retired or charged for similar infractions.
Recent Promotions and Background
In September 2024, CP Ehiede was among the 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police elevated to Commissioner of Police by IGP Egbetokun. His promotion came during a broad reshuffling that affected senior officers nationwide.
This development followed the controversial exit of Simon Lough (SAN), Ehiede’s predecessor, who was implicated in a scandal involving forgery and age falsification. Lough, along with others, was forced out of the Force earlier this year.
IGP Files Charges Against Retired Officers in Similar Scandals
In May 2025, IGP Egbetokun filed a 14-count criminal charge against several retired senior officers for offences ranging from age falsification and forgery to conspiracy.
Key Individuals Named in the Charge Sheet
Among those charged were:
AIG Idowu Owohunwa (Rtd)
CP Benneth Igweh (Rtd)
CP Ukachi Peter Opara (Rtd)
DCP Obo Ukam Obo (Rtd)
ACP Simon Lough SAN (Rtd)
The charges were filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja (Suit No. CR/353/25).
According to the filings, the accused used forged police signals, such as DTO 221535/05/89 and DTO 261340/061/89, to alter service records and obtain illegal judgments.
Specific Charges and Legal Violations
The officers face charges under the Penal Code Law, including:
Conspiracy (Section 97)
Forgery and use of false documents (Section 366)
Fraudulent court filings (Section 158 and 161)
One of the charges accuses ACP Simon Lough SAN of lying under oath in March 2025, claiming he had only served 25 years in the force when he had served since August 1, 1987.
Previous Disciplinary Action Taken
On March 6, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force discharged seven senior officers, including ACP Simon Lough, based on recommendations from the Police Service Commission’s Extraordinary Meeting held on February 20, 2025.
Call for Accountability and Transparency
Both NGOs behind the petition against CP Ehiede emphasized that the Police Force must uphold accountability across all ranks. They noted that disciplinary actions taken against other officers should equally apply to CP Ehiede if the allegations are confirmed.
“We expect a discreet but thorough investigation and, if found guilty, prosecution. No one should be above the law, especially not those tasked with upholding it,” Mustapha stressed.
Conclusion
The allegations against CP Ohiozoba Ehiede mirror a troubling pattern within the Nigeria Police Force, where several top officers have been caught manipulating records to extend their careers unlawfully. As calls for reform and accountability grow louder, all eyes are on IGP Egbetokun to see whether he will extend the same standard of justice to the Force’s top legal officer.
