No Tenure Extension for IGP Egbetokun – Police

The Nigeria Police announced on Friday that President Bola Tinubu did not grant an extension to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure. Instead, the President simply endorsed the existing law governing the office’s tenure, as required.

The continued tenure of IGP Egbetokun, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4, has sparked public debate. According to the Police Act, officers must retire at 60 or after 35 years of service.

Although there were efforts to amend the retirement age as stipulated in the Act, these changes have not been finalized. The bill, passed by the National Assembly, is awaiting President Tinubu’s signature.

This delay has fueled rumors that the President had extended the IGP’s tenure, with many reports citing a letter from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.

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Breaking the silence, the Police Force, through its spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, clarified the situation. Adejobi stated that IGP Egbetokun’s appointment letter grants him a four-year term from the date of his appointment, as specified by Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended).

Adejobi explained: “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of misleading reports regarding the IGP’s tenure. It is important to clarify that what President Bola Tinubu approved is not a tenure extension, but the lawful application of the provisions governing the IGP’s office.”

He continued, “Contrary to rumors, the IGP’s appointment letter, dated November 3, 2023, confirms a four-year tenure in accordance with the law. The IGP does not need to seek any tenure extension, as his appointment explicitly grants him four years from the date of confirmation by the Police Council.”

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Adejobi also noted that the IGP had since received another letter aligning with the Police Act of 2020, which supersedes earlier communications.

He added, “This clarification should end the ongoing speculations. We urge the public to disregard false reports and trust that the IGP’s tenure is fully compliant with Nigerian law. The matter is settled, and any attempts to debate the IGP’s tenure are distractions to the Nigeria Police Force.”

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