Police Refute Sowore's Claims on IGP Egbetokun's Tenure

By Dansu Peter  The Nigeria Police Force has strongly refuted claims by social activist Omoyele Sowore, who alleged that the tenure of the ...

By Dansu Peter 

The Nigeria Police Force has strongly refuted claims by social activist Omoyele Sowore, who alleged that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is unlawful. 

In a statement released on Tuesday, the police dismissed Sowore’s assertions as "baseless and misleading," warning against attempts to erode public confidence in the force’s leadership. 

Sowore, in a post on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter), alleged that IGP Egbetokun had reached the mandatory retirement age and should no longer be in service. He compared Egbetokun’s tenure to the recent arrest of a retired police officer, Inspector Linus Okoro, for allegedly conducting illegal stop-and-search operations. Sowore posted a photo of both officers with a caption implying "double standards" in the handling of police infractions, using hashtags such as #RevolutionNow and #EgbetokunMustGo. 

However, the police have categorically stated that Egbetokun’s appointment is legally binding and in full compliance with the Police Act, 2020. Citing PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Act, the statement emphasized that any individual appointed as IGP is entitled to a four-year tenure, irrespective of their previous retirement status. 

Furthermore, Egbetokun’s appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council and confirmed by the Presidency, with a tenure officially running from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027. The recent amendment to the Police Act reinforced this position, ensuring that the IGP remains in office "until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment." 

The police force described Sowore’s remarks as an attempt to sow discord and spread misinformation," warning that such false narratives could undermine national security. They urged the public to focus on constructive dialogue rather than unverified claims that could create unnecessary confusion. 

The statement concluded with a call for citizens to remain informed about the legal framework governing the police force and to refrain from disseminating misleading information that could destabilize the nation’s security operations. 

While the debate surrounding the tenure of security chiefs continues, the Nigeria Police Force insists that IGP Egbetokun’s leadership remains legally sound and committed to maintaining law and order.