A scheduled court hearing in the ongoing age falsification case involving five former senior government officials was stalled on Thursday as the accused persons once again failed to appear before the judge.
The five retired senior police officers, Idowu Owohunwa, CP Benneth Igweh, CP Ukachi Opara, DCP Obo Ukam Obo, and ACP Simon Lough, charged with alleged age falsification, once again failed to appear before Justice Halilu Yusuf in an Abuja High Court for their arraignment.
This marks their third consecutive absence.
The officers are facing a 14-count charge brought against them by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), including conspiracy, age falsification, and forgery.
At the previous court session, Justice Yusuf had directed the IGP to take all necessary steps to ensure their appearance in court for prosecution.
Prosecuting counsel Rimamsomte Ezekiel expressed disappointment over their repeated nonappearance, noting that the officers had been duly served with the charge.
He urged the court to compel their legal representative, Goddy Uche, SAN, to ensure their presence at the next adjourned date.
In response, defence counsel J.T. Aondo, SAN, contended that his clients had not been properly served with the charges.
He also mentioned that former IGP Mike Okiro was looking into the matter to explore the possibility of an internal resolution. Aondo raised a preliminary objection to the proceedings.
Justice Yusuf instructed the defence counsel to ensure the defendants’ presence in court to take their plea. He emphasised that after the plea, the court would proceed accordingly.
The case was adjourned until November 17 for arraignment.
This ongoing case has attracted significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the serious allegations against them.
The court’s efforts to ensure their appearance underscore the importance of accountability and transparency in public service.
