The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has given his stamp of approval on the extended tenure of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, declaring it lawful and legitimate.
This statement comes amidst speculation surrounding the IGP’s tenure, with some reports suggesting a tenure extension.
However, it’s worth noting that the Minister of Police Affairs had earlier clarified that the IGP’s appointment was for a single tenure, with no extension granted.
The AGF disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.
According to Fagbemi, Egbetokun’s tenure would have ended on September 4, 2024, upon reaching 60 years of age, considering his appointment took effect on October 31, 2023.
However, an amendment to the Police Act allowed him to remain in office and complete his original four-year term, despite surpassing the retirement age.
The statement reads: “This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continous 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 his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.
“This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public.”
Persecondnews reports that the statement is a direct response to Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate and activist, who recently sparked controversy by labeling Egbetokun as an “Illegal IG”.
According to Sowore, Egbetokun has exceeded the retirement age in violation of the civil service rules.
Persecondnews reported that Sowore had arrived at the Police headquarters in Abuja on Monday, January 27, at 10 a.m. in response to a police invitation, amidst tight security.
His invitation for questioning stemmed from a viral video he posted, alleging extortion by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos.
Following the meeting, he declined to accept the bail conditions imposed by the police, resulting in his detention and subsequent arraignment in court on Wednesday, January 29.
Sowore was arraigned before Justice Musifa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a 17-count charge of cybercrime filed by the Nigerian Police Force.
The judge granted him a N10 million bail on Thursday, with a surety in the same amount.
Justice Liman also gave him a 24-hour ultimatum to fulfill the bail conditions, failing which he would be remanded in police custody until the conditions are met.
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