Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has remained tight-lipped over allegations made by activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, who claimed that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has been removed from office.
Sowore alleged that Egbetokun had been substituted with a senior officer presently serving as head of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID) in Lagos.
He, however, did not provide official confirmation to back the claim.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no statement from the Presidency or the Nigeria Police Force confirming the development.
When contacted by Guardian, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, did not answer calls placed to his phone.
He subsequently sent a message asking that a text message be forwarded to him, assuring that he would respond.
However, as at press time, he had yet to reply.
Checks on Hundeyin’s social media pages also showed that the police spokesperson is yet to react to the claim.
Sowore has repeatedly questioned Egbetokun’s tenure, arguing that the police chief ought to have exited office upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as acting Inspector-General of Police in October 2023, pending confirmation by the National Assembly. The appointment took effect on October 31, 2023.
Following controversy over the IGP’s tenure, the Federal Government sponsored an amendment to the Police Act providing for a single four-year term for an Inspector-General of Police, irrespective of age or years of service.
The provision allows Egbetokun to remain in office until October 2027.
