The Nigeria Police Force clarified on Friday that President Bola Tinubu did not approve an extension of the tenure for Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, whose continued service had stirred public debate.
In a statement issued by the Force’s spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police explained that instead of an extension, the President adhered to the law governing the office’s tenure. This clarification comes amid speculation surrounding the IG’s stay in office after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4.
As stipulated by the Police Act, officers are required to retire at age 60 or after 35 years of service. While there have been moves to amend this regulation, the bill passed by the National Assembly has yet to be signed into law by President Tinubu. This legislative delay gave rise to reports suggesting that the President had extended the IG’s tenure, allegedly backed by a letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Addressing these rumors, Adejobi stated that the President’s approval followed the provisions of the Constitution. The IG’s appointment letter, dated November 3, 2023, grants him a four-year tenure, as per Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution, 1999 (as amended).
“The President did not extend the IGP’s tenure but rather ensured the proper application of the law,” Adejobi said. He urged the public to disregard misleading information circulating on social media and in the press, reiterating that the IG’s four-year tenure was legally grounded and approved by the Police Council.
Adejobi also emphasized that Egbetokun’s position is secure under current law and that there was no need for any lobbying to extend his service. “The circulating misinformation is the work of detractors seeking to discredit the office and the person of the IGP for their own interests,” he added.
He further clarified that Egbetokun had received an additional letter in compliance with the provisions of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), superseding the original appointment letter. This ensures that the IG’s tenure is fully compliant with Nigerian laws.
“The law is clear and should not be a source of unnecessary debate. The tenure of the IGP is in full accordance with the legal framework governing the Nigeria Police Force,” Adejobi concluded.
