Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has affirmed that Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is lawful, dismissing allegations questioning the legality of his tenure.
In a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, Mr Fagbemi explained that while Mr Egbetokun, appointed IGP on October 31, 2023, reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4, 2024, recent amendments to the Police Act permit him to complete a four-year term in office.
“Before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four-year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years,” Fagbemi said.
The minister clarified that this amendment statutorily extends Egbetokun’s tenure to October 31, 2027, aligning with the provisions of the 2024 amendment to the Police Act.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024, which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of their appointment as IGP,” Fagbemi stated.
The minister’s clarification comes amid legal proceedings involving activist Omoyele Sowore, who referred to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP” on social media.
Mr Sowore is facing a 17-count cybercrime charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja, filed by the police over his comments. He was arraigned on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty. The court granted him bail on Thursday.
While Fagbemi did not directly address Sowore’s remarks, his statement reiterates the government’s stance on the legality of Egbetokun’s tenure, seeking to dispel any ambiguity regarding the issue.
