Nigeria Police Suspends AIG Abdulyari After Investigation into Retirement Date Forgery

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Shuaya’u Lafia Abdulyari, serving in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has been suspended from duty following allegations of altering his retirement records to extend his tenure. Sources at the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Headquarters revealed to SaharaReporters that discrepancies in Abdulyari’s official documents have raised serious concerns about the integrity of his service history.

On January 9, 2025, the Police Service Commission (POLSCOM) approved Abdulyari’s suspension, which took effect immediately. The Force Headquarters issued a wireless message, informing all departments, units, and commands about the suspension and directing the cessation of his salary during the investigation. The message, signed by the Force Secretary, emphasized that the officer’s conduct would be reviewed by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC).

The controversy centers on an alteration made to Abdulyari’s retirement date. Official records indicated that his retirement was initially scheduled for January 1, 2025. However, a review of his service history revealed that the date was later modified to December 31, 2025, raising doubts about the legitimacy of his tenure.

Further scrutiny of Abdulyari’s career uncovered additional concerns. In 2017, while serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abdulyari reportedly absented himself from duty without permission for several months, between July 18 and October 23, 2017. Despite receiving an official query for his absence, Abdulyari allegedly ignored the inquiry, leading to further violations of Nigeria’s Public Service Rules.

The Integrity Youth Alliance (IYA), an NGO, has also raised concerns about Abdulyari’s manipulation of his entry date into the Nigeria Police Force. According to the group, the officer’s actions undermine the credibility of the force and violate the Public Service Rules, which mandate strict adherence to retirement schedules.

As Abdulyari faces increasing scrutiny, sources suggest that he has been lobbying for a favorable outcome from the Police Service Commission. The Integrity Youth Alliance has called for a transparent investigation into the matter, urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to maintain professionalism and enforce the Public Service Rules.

The investigation into Abdulyari’s alleged misconduct is ongoing, and his future within the police force hangs in the balance as the authorities weigh their next steps.