How Nigeria Police Force Sacked Us To Stop Owohunwa From Becoming IGP, Says Simon Lough, SAN
…MY SACK WAS SPONSORED BY HIGH-PROFILE FRAUDSTER
…WE ARE NOT AWARE OF THESE CLAIMS – POLICE
…THESE ISSUES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COURT – PSC
Compulsorily retired star prosecutor at the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Mr. Simon Asamber Lough SAN has vowed that he was sacked because he refused to back a plot against the emergence of embattled AIG Idowu Owohunwa as the next Inspector General of Police (IGP).
In an exclusive interview with CITY LAWYER, Lough, by far the most decorated lawyer in the history of the Nigeria Police Force, stated that the putsch of no less than six top officers was driven by the fear that Owohunwa would emerge as the longest serving IGP in line with the amended Police Act 2020.
Reputed for his incorruptible stance, Lough told CITY LAWYER that those who allegedly kicked him out of the force were sponsored by “high-profile fraudsters” who he was “prosecuting in billions of naira and dollars.”
According to Lough, the Police leadership never cited him for any misconduct due to his stellar record, adding that envy and his possible emergence as Commissioner of Police (Legal Department) also propelled his forced retirement.
His words: “I did not commit any offence; no administrative infractions. The leadership was plotting against the retirement of (AIG) Idowu (Owohunwa) when he is not due (to retire).
He is supposed to retire by 2030, but for reason I later discovered to be the fear of his emergence as the next IGP.
“Hence, I gave a legal and professional advice that the matter has already been settled by the judgment of the National Industrial Court and the judgment enforced since 2021; hence it will not be in the interest of the Force to revert a judgment that has been enforced and attempt to appeal failed – that the Force will be ridiculing and scandalizing itself.
“They were not happy with my advice, and now saw me as an obstacle to their plot. Hence, they decided to focus on me to tarnish my image.
It has never happened in the history of the Force where signals sent out are published, but they wanted the public who do not know the fact to think that I committed an offence.
“They are also being sponsored by high-profile fraudsters I am prosecuting in billions of naira and dollars. You can see that they have never mentioned any misconduct or offence I committed before this double jeopardy. The matter is before the NICN.
“Secondly, the fear of my emergence as the CP Legal, as I am due to be promoted to CP this month – and who may be the longest serving Legal Head, as my retirement date is 14th May, 2029. Coupled with envy and jealousy. All these account for their fight against me.
“Thirdly, I later discovered that their fear was, if Idowu (Owohunwa) was made IGP, he will serve the four years stipulated in the Police Act – and will be the longest serving IGP. Hence, they wanted him out at all cost to stop his emergence.”
The Police high command has however waved aside the allegations, saying that the Police Service Commission (PSC) should be in a better position to address the claims.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi told CITY LAWYER that the Police Force was “not aware” of the allegations, adding: “Refer these to the Police Service Commission, not NPF, please.”
When contacted, the commission’s spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, told CITY LAWYER that “These issues have been taken to court. I would rather not want to dabble into a case before a court of competent jurisdiction. (I) Advise you follow the case in court.”
CITY LAWYER recalls that the Police leadership had in a wireless message dated March 4, 2025, announced the retirement of Owohunwa and Lough among others, citing the ‘Decisions of the Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Police Service Commission held on Thursday 20th February, 2025.’
The message read: “Grateful be informed that the underlisted senior police officers have been retired from the Force. W.E.F dates indicated against their names. AP/NO. 50645 AIG Idowu Owohunwa, W.E.F X 10/02/2025 X AP/NO 50703 CP Benneth Igweh C. X W.E.F X 01/05/2023 X ΑΡ/ΝΟ 41704 CP Aina Emmanuel A. W.E.F X 10/02/2025 X ΑΡ/ΝΟ 41741 CP Salama Wakili Abdul W.E.F X 26/02/2025 X AP/NO 57917 ACP Simon A. Lough (SAN) W.E.F X 01/08/2022 X AP/NO 57894 ACP Dakon Philip Sarpiwefa, ΑΡ/ΝΟ 42600 ACP Grace O. Ejiofor.”
Born on 20th July, 1970, in Kabba, Kogi State, Owohunwa was commissioned into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Officer (Course 19/1996) on 15th August, 1996. He emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Cadet Officer in Professional Studies at the Police Academy, Kano.
(C) CITY LAWYER Magazine
Nigeria Police Force
