The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has clarified that the continued stay in office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, remains legal and in full compliance with the law.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Fagbemi explained that while Egbetokun was initially set to retire upon reaching the mandatory age of 60 on September 4, 2024, amendments to the Police Act have ensured his tenure remains intact.
According to the AGF, the 2024 amendment to the Police Act allows the IGP to serve a full four-year term from the date of appointment, irrespective of the retirement age.
Given Egbetokun’s appointment took effect on October 31, 2023, his tenure will now run until October 31, 2027.
“This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including the 31st day of October, 2027, in order to complete the four-year tenure granted to him,” Fagbemi stated.
The AGF emphasized that this clarification was necessary to guide the public and dispel any misconceptions regarding Egbetokun’s continued leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Egbetokun’s tenure extension aligns with the reforms aimed at ensuring stability and continuity in the country’s policing system.