Former Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun, was a surprise guest at the Presidential Villa on Thursday.

Balogun, alongside other ex-IGs, was among guests of President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion marking the 55th Independence Anniversary.

He assumed the top job in March 2002 and was rarely seen in public after his removal as head of the Nigeria Police Force.

In January 2005, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Nuhu Ribadu arrested the former IG for official corruption and diversion of about N5.7 billion police funds.

He spent 67 days in custody while the case against him lasted in court.

Balogun pleaded guilty to eight charges of corruption and was sentenced to six months in prison. He finished his term in 2006.

Justice Binta Nyako had noted that he was a first offender and his demeanour in court reflected him as having shown remorse.

She ordered Balogun to pay a fine of N4 million.

Some $150 million worth of cash and property were also seized from him by the federal government.