Police silent amid claim of IGP Egbetokun’s removal

The presidential flagbearer of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election, Omoyele Sowore, on Tuesday alleged that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has been relieved of his duties.

Sowore asserted that Egbetokun had been replaced by a senior officer serving with the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) in Lagos. However, he did not present any official documentation or confirmation to substantiate the allegation.

At the time of this report, neither the Presidency nor the Nigeria Police Force had issued a statement verifying the purported development.

Efforts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, proved unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile line went unanswered.

He later sent a message requesting that an inquiry be forwarded via text, promising to respond accordingly. As of press time, no response had been received.

Sowore has consistently challenged Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, maintaining that the police chief should have stepped down upon reaching the statutory retirement age of 60.

President Bola Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as acting Inspector-General of Police in October 2023, pending confirmation by the National Assembly.

The appointment became effective on October 31, 2023.

Amid debates surrounding the IGP’s tenure, the Federal Government backed an amendment to the Police Act introducing a single four-year term for the Inspector-General of Police, regardless of age or years in service.

Under the revised provision, Egbetokun is expected to remain in office until October 2027.