The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has allegedly resigned from office following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Sources within the Presidency disclosed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President on Monday.
He is expected to be replaced by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
Although no official statement had been issued as of the time of filing this report, sources at both the Presidency and the Force Headquarters indicated that arrangements were being finalised for a formal handover ceremony. An official announcement is anticipated later on Tuesday.
Efforts to reach the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, and the Force Public Relations Officer, Ben Hundeyin, were unsuccessful at the time of this report.
Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector-General of Police by President Tinubu on June 19, 2023, and his appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on October 31, 2023.
He assumed office at the age of 58 and was originally scheduled to retire on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, the National Assembly later amended the Police Act, allowing him to serve a fixed four-year term as IGP unless removed by the President.
The Presidency had previously insisted that his continued tenure was lawful under the amended Police Act 2024, which permits an appointed IGP to complete a four-year term regardless of age or years of service.
Egbetokun’s time in office was accompanied by several controversies, including allegations of human rights violations and public criticism over the extension of his tenure.
Despite earlier objections from civil society organisations and members of the public, the Presidency had defended its position until the latest development.
Tunji Disu is expected to assume office as the new Inspector-General of Police after the formal handover.
In a related development, senior police sources and officials of the Police Service Commission also confirmed to Sahara Reporters that Egbetokun has been directed to hand over to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, who currently heads the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annexe in Alagbon, Lagos.
One source stated that Egbetokun was summoned to the Presidential Villa and instructed to commence the transition process.
“Egbetokun was at the (Presidential) Villa yesterday and was told to go and prepare his handover notes. I believe he has done that already, and he will be handing over to Tunji Disu,” the source said.
Another source alleged that the President asked him to step aside to concentrate on his health.
“He is incompetent, and the scandals are just too many. He is power-drunk. The President said he should leave to focus on getting treatment for himself. You know, he has kidney-related medical issues,” the source claimed.
Sources further revealed that some police officers reportedly celebrated the news of his removal.
“Police officers jubilated on Monday when they heard the news. The First Lady Remi Tinubu wanted him to stay but the President was adamant. She fought that he should remain in office despite all the scandals,” another source said.
