Human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore, on Wednesday, led a protest to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters (FHQ) in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as an “illegal tenure extension” for the Number 1 policeman.
The protesters, holding banners that featured an altered image of Egbetokun wearing President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap with a red cross over his face, accused the police chief of occupying the position unlawfully following his mandatory retirement in September 2024.
Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the protesters argued that public servants are required to retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60—whichever comes first.
Speaking during the protest, Sowore said, “One retired officer is in jail for impersonating a police officer, while Egbetokun continues in office after retirement. This is unjust and unacceptable.”
He noted the irony of the IGP’s actions, stating that while Egbetokun has overseen the retirement of several Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs), he has refused to vacate office himself.
The protestors further referenced a September 2024 statement issued by the Attorney General of the Federation, which affirmed that Egbetokun’s tenure had legally ended, raising concerns over President Tinubu’s continued support for his stay in office.
“Even Tinubu has no authority to override the Constitution,” Sowore said. “If he loves Egbetokun so much, he can appoint him as manager of the NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers) after retirement. But no retired officer should wear the police uniform.”
He linked Egbetokun’s extended stay to what he called a deepening security crisis across the country, citing the recent killing of over 60 people in Plateau State within a 48-hour period. According to Sowore, the police only responded after the attacks had taken place.
“What happened to intelligence gathering? Is the police only effective when tracking critics on social media?” he asked, accusing the IGP of exhibiting reactive rather than proactive leadership.
Sowore also claimed that the tenure extension had demoralised lower-ranking officers and hindered upward mobility within the force. “How can ASPs dream of becoming IGP if the position is held hostage?” he questioned.
He demanded that Egbetokun not only vacate office immediately but also refund all salaries and allowances collected since his official retirement date on September 4, 2024. “No one should overstay, not even for a day,” Sowore insisted. “After removal, he must return every kobo earned illegally.”
The protest also rejected tenure extensions for other public officials, including the Comptroller-General of Immigration.
LEADERSHIP reports that the controversy stemmed from the July 2024 amendment to the Police Act by the National Assembly, which introduced a new clause—Section 18(8A). The new provision states: “Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.”
This amendment effectively overrides the previous stipulation in Section 18(8), which required officers to retire at 60 or after 35 years of service. It allows the IGP to complete a full four-year term regardless of age.
Egbetokun, appointed in June 2023, is therefore legally backed by the amendment to remain in office until 2027, barring removal or resignation. However, critics like Sowore argued that the amendment is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent.
While lawmakers defend the change as a means of ensuring leadership stability, critics warn that such extensions could foster stagnation, undermine morale within the force, and impact internal security dynamics.
