The Magistrate Court of the Federal Capital Territory, sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has ordered the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to produce in court a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Oyediran Oyeyemi, for allegedly parading himself as an officer still in active service.
The court gave the order on Wednesday, while delivering a ruling in the suit argued by the complainant’s counsel, Anthony Agbazuere.
According to the charge, Oyeyemi, who left the force on March 3, 2024, is the defendant in the matter.
The complainant, Uche 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, 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.
Credit: punchng.com
