The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from his position at the request of President Bola Tinubu. This has been confirmed by The Legal Observer based on exclusive reports from Sahara Reporters and PREMIUM TIMES.
A source within the presidency indicated that Mr. Egbetokun was asked to resign during a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
He is set to be succeeded by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
Although the change has not been officially announced, sources at both the presidency and the police headquarters informed PREMIUM TIMES that arrangements are in progress for a formal handover ceremony from Mr. Egbetokun to Mr. Disu.
Mr. Egbetokun was appointed by President Tinubu as the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023. His substantive appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31 of that year.
At the age of 58, Mr. Egbetokun took on the role of IGP and was scheduled to retire on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 60.
However, the National Assembly amended the police law, permitting him to complete his full four-year term as IGP unless dismissed by the president.
He was therefore expected to fulfill his four-year tenure, remaining in office until October 31, 2027.
Despite numerous complaints from various Nigerians, the presidency clarified that Mr. Egbetokun’s continuation in office was legitimate, referencing the amended Police Act 2024, which allows an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term, irrespective of age or length of service.
Mr. Egbetokun’s time as IGP was characterized by several controversies, including allegations of human rights abuses.
The presidency has not yet released a statement confirming Mr. Egbetokun’s removal. Attempts to reach presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and police spokesperson Ben Hundeyin were unsuccessful at the time of this report. Nevertheless, a source at the presidency stated that an official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.
Further details will be provided in upcoming reports.
