ABUJA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has removed Kayode Egbetokun from his position as Inspector-General of Police, bringing an end to a tenure marked by controversy and internal disagreements within the Nigeria Police Force.
Sources within the police hierarchy and the police service commission disclosed on Tuesday that the President directed Egbetokun to commence immediate handover procedures following a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He is expected to hand over leadership of the Force to Tunji Disu, currently serving as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
According to senior officials familiar with the development, Egbetokun was informed of his removal during his visit to the Presidential Villa and was advised to conclude transition arrangements without delay.
Read related news:
- IGP Egbetokun Reportedly Furious Over ₦100m Security Vote Scandal Involving Son, Summons Police Management Team
- Tinubu Insists Police Withdrawal from VIPs Must Be Enforced, Orders NSCDC To Take Over Assignments
Presidency sources also indicated that the decision was partly influenced by health concerns, including reported kidney-related challenges.
The announcement reportedly generated mixed reactions among senior police officers, with some welcoming the leadership change amid longstanding concerns over administrative decisions within the Force.
Insiders revealed that differing opinions existed within the Presidency regarding Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, but President Tinubu ultimately approved a change in leadership as part of ongoing efforts to reposition the nation’s security architecture.
Egbetokun’s tenure attracted sustained public scrutiny, particularly over the extension of his service beyond the statutory retirement age of 60 years or 35 years in service, a move criticized by civil society organizations and legal experts who argued it conflicted with established police regulations.
Additional allegations relating to preferential promotions within the Force further fueled criticism, with reports claiming that certain officers received accelerated career advancements under disputed circumstances.
Controversy also trailed claims that security funds were allegedly linked to accounts associated with a member of his family, sparking public calls for an independent investigation into the management of security resources.
During his time in office, Egbetokun initiated legal actions against activist Omoyele Sowore and online platform SaharaReporters over reports describing him as an illegal IGP and alleging financial improprieties.
The lawsuits resulted in court orders restraining further publications concerning him and members of his family, a development critics argued raised concerns about press freedom and suppression of dissent.
With Egbetokun’s exit, attention now shifts to Disu, who is expected to assume leadership of the Nigeria Police Force at a time of increasing public demand for police reforms, accountability and improved internal security management.
Although the Presidency is yet to release an official statement detailing the full reasons for the removal, the leadership change signals a significant shift in the Federal Government’s approach to policing and security administration in the country.
