President Bola Tinubu has confirmed that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun will serve his full four-year term, which will extend until 2027. This clarification follows recent reports suggesting an extension of his tenure.
A senior police official, who requested anonymity, emphasized that the recent confirmation was not an extension but a reaffirmation of Egbetokun’s original appointment terms, which outlined a four-year tenure. The clarification came in response to confusion over the nature of the extension.
The confirmation aligns with recent legislative changes. In July, the National Assembly passed the Police Act Amendment Bill, allowing an IGP to serve until the end of their appointment term as stated in their letter of appointment. President Tinubu had forwarded this Bill for approval to amend the IGP’s tenure, which was swiftly enacted by both chambers of the legislature.
Egbetokun, who was appointed IGP in June 2023, was initially designated for a four-year term alongside four new service chiefs.
According to the Police Act 2020, Section 18(8), Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, is scheduled to retire in September 2024 upon reaching the age of 60. Currently, he has served one year and three months of his tenure, leaving two years and nine months remaining.
The issue of IGP tenure has been contentious. Egbetokun’s predecessor, Usman Baba, similarly remained in office beyond his retirement age until Egbetokun’s appointment.
Baba, who turned 60 in March 2023 and completed the required 35 years of service, continued his role until his successor was appointed three months later.
