Despite FG, Police Explanations IGP Egbedokun’s Stay in Office Continue to Raise Dust

The Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has said that the continuous stay in office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun  lawful.

In a statement he issued on Friday in Abuja, Mr. Fagbemi stated that the police boss’ tenure will run a full 4-year course and expire in 2027.

Part of the statement reads:

“The appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September, 2024.

 

“However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years. This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.”

 

Earlier, the spokesman of the police, Olumiyiwa Adejobi had issued a statement calling on the public to disregard the “claim” by rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore who stated that the Mr. Egbedokun is staying in office illegally haven reached the retirement age 60 as applicable in Nigeria civil service which also include the Armed Forces.

 

In Adejobi’s statement the appointment of and continued stay in office of Mr. Egbodokun is backed by the Police Act 2020 (as amended) that gives clear four year tenure of the Inspetor General of Police.

He said, “The Nigeria Police Force hereby refutes, in clear and unequivocal terms, the baseless and misleading claims recently attributed to Mr. Omoyele Sowore alleging that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is illegal. Such claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Nigeria Police.

“IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended). This provision explicitly states that “The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.” Moreover, his appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, in line with the provisions of Section 8A of the executive bill passed which amended the Police Act, clearly stating that “Any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of section 7(6) of this Act.”

 

The police statement reiterated that, “The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination. This change is expected to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the police force in maintaining law and order in the country.”

 

Despite the explanations of both Mr. Fagbemi and the police high command many Nigerians insist that the Police Act is inferior to the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and therefore should not override the constitution.