Police Address Rumors of IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure Extension

The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that President Bola Tinubu did not extend the tenure of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, contrary to recent speculation.

Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi issued a statement on Friday in Abuja, explaining that the President approved the IGP’s tenure according to the law, which stipulates a four-year term for the position.

The statement read in part: “The Nigeria Police Force has noted various misleading reports and misinterpretations regarding the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police. We want to clarify that President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the IGP does not involve a tenure extension but aligns with the legal provisions governing the office.”

Contrary to the misinformation circulating on social media and in the news, an appointment letter issued to the IGP shortly after his confirmation by the Police Council, dated November 3, 2023, specifies a four-year tenure in accordance with Section 215(a) and Section 28(c) of the Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Adejobi emphasized that the IGP does not need to seek a tenure extension, as his appointment letter grants a four-year term from the date of his appointment.

He also criticized the spread of false information, attributing it to individuals with ulterior motives seeking to undermine the IGP and the Police Force for personal or financial gain.