Tinubu removes IGP Egbetokun, AIG Disu to take over

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has resigned from office at the request of President Bola Tinubu.

A presidency source disclosed that Mr Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.

He is to be succeeded by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu.

Arrangements are ongoing for an official handover ceremony between Mr Egbetokun and Mr Disu.

Mr Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police by President Tinubu on 19 June 2023, with his substantive appointment confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on 31 October 2023.

Appointed at the age of 58, he was originally due for retirement on 4 September 2024 upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60. However, he was expected to complete a four-year tenure running until 31 October 2027.

Amid public criticism over his continued stay in office, the presidency had maintained that Mr Egbetokun’s tenure was lawful under the amended Police Act 2024, which permits an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term irrespective of age or years in service.

His time in office was marked by several controversies, including allegations of human rights abuses.