The FCT magistrate court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Wednesday ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to produce a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Oyediran Oyeyemi, for allegedly parading himself as serving police officer.
The court issued the order while ruling on the suit brought before the court by one Uche Ezike.
According to the charge, Oyeyemi, who left the force on March 3, 2024, is the defendant in the matter.
The complainant, Mr Ezike, a private citizen, alleged that on May 6, 2024, Oyeyemi presented himself as an Assistant Inspector-General in a letter without indicating that he is retired.
At the resumed hearing of the case, the defendant failed to appear, prompting the complainant’s counsel, Anthony 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 also continues to hang his police uniform in his office because he is the Secretary of the Police Cooperative Society.
He further alleged that the retired AIG does not disclose his retirement status in official correspondences, thereby misrepresenting himself to the public.
Agbazuere argued that the retired AIG’s actions contravene Section 132 of the Penal Code, amounting to impersonation.
In a brief ruling, Magistrate Sunday Adukwu noted that while the defendant’s status as a former AIG is significant, the seriousness of the allegations against him necessitates his presence in court.
Adukwu therefore ordered Egbetokun to compel the appearance of Oyeyemi in court on September 8.
The matter was adjourned to that date for further hearing.
