The Inspector General of Police of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
One of the senior government officials has confirmed that the decision was made after a closed-door meeting between the president and the police chief at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
Tinubu Nominates AIG Tunji Disu to Replace IGP Kayode Egbetokun
President Tinubu has nominated Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, to replace Mr. Kayode Egbetokun as an IGP.
Preparations have already started taking place for a formal handover ceremony at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Although no official statement has been made from presidency yet, security officials said arrangements are being finalized already.
Egbetokun Appointed 22nd IGP in June 2023
IGP Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police in June 2023.
His confirmation was later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year.
Although at the time of his appointment, he was close to the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, this has led to legal and political debates about the length of his stay in office.
But then, to address the issue, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024.
Police Amendment Act Grants IGP Full 4-Year Tenure, Ignoring Age or Service Limits
The police amendment Act allowed an IGP to complete a four-year tenure regardless of age or years already spent in service.
Based on that new amendment law, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.
Note: the presidency has not issued a formal statement confirming his resignation.
But attempts to reach the presidential and police spokespersons were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
A source within the presidency reveal that an official announcement would be made later on Tuesday.
