The continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful.
The appointment of Egbetokun, which took effect on the 31st day of October 2023, would have ended on his attainment of 60 years of age on the 4th day of September 2024.
However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four-year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, even though he had attained the age of 60. This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including the 31st day of October 2027 to complete the four-year tenure granted to him.
According to a statement signed by the attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, last night, “For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024, which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, the 31st day of October 2023.
“This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public.”