The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
Senior government officials confirmed that the decision was reached after a closed-door meeting between the president and the police chief at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
The president has nominated Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, as his replacement.
Preparations are already underway for a formal handover ceremony at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Security officials said arrangements are being finalized, even though an official announcement is yet to be released by the presidency.
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.
At the time of his appointment, he was close to the mandatory retirement age of 60. This led to legal and political debates about the length of his stay in office.
To address the issue, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024. The amendment allowed an IGP to complete a four-year tenure regardless of age or years already spent in service.
Based on that law, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.
His tenure, however, was marked by public criticism and allegations of human rights violations, especially during protests and security operations across several states.
The presidency has not issued a formal statement confirming his resignation. Attempts to reach the presidential and police spokespersons were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
A source within the presidency said an official announcement would be made later on Tuesday.
More details are expected as events unfold.
COURTESY: politicsnigeria
