By Ayomide Otitoju
Kayode Egbetokun has resigned from his position as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), according to a presidency source.
The source disclosed on Tuesday that Egbetokun stepped down from office, although the Nigeria Police authorities have yet to issue an official statement confirming the development. His resignation follows reports suggesting he had vacated the position.
It remains unclear who will succeed him as the nation’s next police chief.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023, with the Nigeria Police Council confirming his substantive appointment on October 31, 2023.
The latter part of his tenure was marked by controversy surrounding his continued stay in office beyond the statutory retirement threshold. Under Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, born September 4, 1964, was expected to retire in September 2024 upon attaining 60 years of age.
However, his tenure extended beyond the mandatory retirement limits of 60 years of age or 35 years of service, drawing criticism from civil society groups and other stakeholders who argued that the move undermined established service regulations and institutional discipline.
The police authorities had maintained that the development did not constitute a tenure extension but rather ensured he completed the four-year term stipulated in his letter of appointment.
In July 2024, the National Assembly passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill, following a request by President Tinubu, to allow an appointed Inspector-General of Police to remain in office until the end of the tenure specified in the appointment letter. Lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives approved the amendment at separate sittings.
