The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, has congratulated Simon Lough, an assistant commissioner of police, on being sworn in as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Police spokesman Frank Mba disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday. According to him, Mr Lough, a prosecutor, is the head of chambers of the legal section of the force.

The statement said the officer was sworn in as a SAN following recommendations and approval by the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC).

It noted that the elevation of the officer was on the heels of his outstanding contribution to the development of law in Nigeria and his enviable feats in the legal profession. 

Mr Lough was appointed as a cadet officer (ASP) in 2000.

“Lough has served in various departments of the force, including the legal section and held national positions on implementing legal policies for the country in his 21 years in service,” said the police statement. “Notable amongst his contributions and achievements is his record of securing over one hundred convictions of cases of armed robbery, murder, rape, financial crimes, amongst others.”

The statement added that he had also successfully defended several high profile cases and got 33 judgments at the Court of Appeal and seven at the Supreme Court.

“His investiture as a SAN, Lough is the first serving member of the NPF and any other uniform agency in Nigeria to attain the feat in the legal profession. The achievement is a testament to hard work, dedication, tenacity and affirmation to the age-long maxim that ‘hard work truly pays,” the statement further said.

(NAN)