Breaking: Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down As IGP

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from his position at the behest of President Bola Tinubu, according to sources familiar with the matter. The resignation reportedly followed a meeting between Egbetokun and the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

Egbetokun is set to be succeeded by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu, who currently oversees the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annexe in Alagbon, Lagos. While no formal announcement had been made at the time of this report, preparations for a handover ceremony were reportedly underway, with an official statement expected later on Tuesday.

Egbetokun, appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, had his appointment confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023. Initially due to retire in September 2024 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60, his tenure was extended under the amended Police Act 2024, which allows an appointed IGP to serve a four-year term unless removed by the President.

His time in office was marked by controversies, including allegations of human rights violations and public criticism over his extended tenure. Despite earlier defenses from the Presidency, civil society groups and some members of the public had raised concerns over his continuation in office.

Sources also indicated that the President requested Egbetokun to step aside to focus on his health, amid claims of kidney-related medical issues. The news of his resignation reportedly sparked celebrations among some police officers. According to sources, while First Lady Remi Tinubu reportedly advocated for him to remain, the President insisted on his departure.

Disu is expected to assume office as the new Inspector-General of Police following the formal handover. Attempts to reach the Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, and the Force Public Relations Officer, Ben Hundeyin, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.