The controversy surrounding the extension of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure, has continued to generate heated reactions, with fresh calls for his resignation or removal. Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, alongside some senior police officers, has raised concerns, arguing that the extension has stalled career progression within the force.
Despite these criticisms, the Force Headquarters has maintained that Egbetokun’s appointment remains legal under the Police Act 2020 (as amended), specifically Part III, Section 7(6), which guarantees a four-year tenure for an IGP.
Egbetokun, who was originally due for retirement on September 4, 2024, after reaching 60 years of age, had his tenure extended following an amendment to the Police Act. The amendment, which was swiftly passed by the National Assembly in July 2024, ensured that an IGP serves a full four-year term regardless of the mandatory retirement age. The revised law, which introduced Section 18(8A), supersedes the previous provision that required police officers to retire after 35 years of service or at age 60, whichever comes first.
However, Sowore has strongly opposed the extension, labeling it a violation of due process. His opposition escalated earlier this week when he was detained by the police for referring to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.” After rejecting the bail conditions set by the police, which required him to provide a Level 17 civil servant as a surety, Sowore was later released. Speaking after a court appearance in Abuja, he insisted that he would continue to describe Egbetokun’s tenure as illegal.
Sowore’s legal counsel, Marshall Abubakar, has also condemned the extension, stating that it is an embarrassment to the country. Speaking on a national television program, he argued that the police had misused their prosecutorial power by charging Sowore for his remarks, describing the case as politically motivated and legally unfounded.
Amid the growing opposition, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has defended the extension, stating that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is legal and aligns with the amended Police Act. He explained that the amendment allows an IGP to complete a four-year term from the date of appointment, meaning Egbetokun’s tenure will now run until October 31, 2027.
The Nigeria Police Force has also defended Egbetokun, dismissing claims that his appointment is illegal. Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council and officially confirmed by the Presidency. He described the allegations against the IGP’s tenure as misleading and an attempt to undermine public confidence in the police force.
Despite the government’s defense, critics argue that the amendment contradicts the original provisions of the Police Act and serves only to extend the tenure of a single individual. With the debate still ongoing, the controversy surrounding Egbetokun’s tenure remains a significant issue in Nigeria’s security and political landscape.