Ayuba Sanusi
THE continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have both said.
The appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from the 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on the 4th day of September, 2024.
However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four-year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years. This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including the 31st day of October 2027 in order to complete the four-year tenure granted to him.
Based on the above, the AGF insists that: “For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.
“This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public”.
Also, The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has refuted what it described as baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr Omoyele Sowore alleging that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokunis illegal.
According to the Force, such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police.
According to ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically Part III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended). This provision, he says, explicitly states that “The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years”. Moreover, his appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from 31 October 2023, to 31 October 2027, in line with the provisions of Section 8A of the executive bill passed which amended the Police Act, clearly stating that “Any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of section 7(6) of this Act. The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination. This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Police Force in maintaining law and order in the country.
“It is crucial for members of the public to be aware that IGP Egbetokun’s status as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police is both legally and procedurally sound. The Nigeria Police Force views Mr. Sowore’s unfounded assertions as an attempt to erode public trust and foster confusion regarding the Force’s leadership. “Dissemination of inaccurate information, particularly about the IGP’s standing, has the potential to compromise the security framework of our nation and impede our collective efforts to ensure peace and order.
“The Nigeria Police hereby cautions individuals and groups against perpetuating such unfounded narratives that can mislead the public and jeopardise national security.
“We urge all citizens to focus on objective discussions that advance our shared mission of safeguarding lives and property, rather than indulging in disinformation that may undermine the significant strides we continue to make in maintaining public safety.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media