COURT ORDERS IGP TO PRODUCE RETIRED AIG OYEYEMI OVER ALLEGED FALSE REPRESENTATION AS SERVING OFFICER

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By: Sefiu Ajape

The Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure the presence of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Oyediran Oyeyemi, in court over allegations of falsely presenting himself as an active officer.

The order was issued on Wednesday during a ruling on a case presented by the complainant’s counsel, Anthony Agbazuere.

According to the charge, Oyeyemi, who officially exited the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 2024, is listed as the defendant.

The complainant, Uche Ezike, alleged that on May 6, 2024, Oyeyemi issued a letter in which he identified himself as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police without disclosing his retired status.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the defendant failed to appear, prompting the complainant’s counsel, Agbazuere, to apply for a warrant of arrest.

Agbazuere stated, “The defendant was served on the 24th of this month (July) but he has failed to honour the order of this court to appear as summoned.”

According to Agbazuere, the retired officer continues to parade himself as a serving officer, as he still goes about with his police uniform.

He added that Oyeyemi still displays his police uniform in his office, citing his role as Secretary of the Police Cooperative Society.

The complainant further alleged that Oyeyemi consistently omits his retirement status in official correspondences, thereby presenting a false impression of still being in active service.

Agbazuere contended that Oyeyemi’s conduct amounts to impersonation, in violation of Section 132 of the Penal Code.

In a brief ruling, Magistrate Sunday Adukwu stated that while Oyeyemi’s former position as an AIG is notable, the gravity of the allegations demands his physical appearance in court.

Consequently, Adukwu ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to ensure Oyeyemi is brought before the court on September 8.

The case was adjourned until that date for continuation of proceedings.