President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure until 2027.
Addressing reports of his tenure extension, a senior police official, speaking anonymously, clarified that the letter issued was not an extension but a confirmation for him to complete the original four-year tenure as specified in his appointment letter.
In July, the National Assembly hurriedly passed the Police Act Amendment Bill brought by the President, allowing an individual appointed as Inspector General of Police (IGP) to serve until the end of the term specified in the appointment letter.
The President appointed Egbetokun as the IGP in June 2023 for a four-year term alongside four new service chiefs.
According to Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020, Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, was expected to retire in September 2024 upon reaching 60.
As it stands, Egbetokun has been in office for one year and three months, with two years and nine months remaining of his four-year appointment.
The controversy surrounding the tenure of the IGP did not originate with the current police chief. His predecessor, Usman Baba, was no different. Baba turned 60 in March 2023 and completed the mandatory 35 years of service, yet he remained in office until Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as his replacement three months later.