The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from his position at the request of President Bola Tinubu, according to sources within the Presidency.
A source who spoke with Premium Times disclosed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
He is to be replaced by Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
Although no official announcement had been made as of the time of filing this report, sources at the Presidency and the Force Headquarters said preparations were underway for a formal handover ceremony.
An official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.
Calls to 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 was appointed at the age of 58 and was initially due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
However, the National Assembly amended the Police Act, enabling him to serve a fixed four-year term as IGP unless removed by the President.
The Presidency had previously maintained that his continued stay in office was lawful under the amended Police Act 2024, which allows an appointed IGP to complete a four-year tenure regardless of age or years of service.
Egbetokun’s tenure was marked by a number of controversies, including allegations of human rights abuses and public criticism over the extension of his stay in office.
Despite earlier complaints from civil society groups and some 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 following the formal handover.
In a related development, senior police sources and officials of the Police Service Commission confirmed the development to Sahara Reporters on Tuesday, stating that Egbetokun has been directed to hand over to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, who oversees the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annexe in Alagbon, Lagos.
One source disclosed that Egbetokun was summoned to the Presidential Villa and instructed to begin 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 focus 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 said some police officers reportedly celebrated 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.
