‘IGP’s stay in office legal and backed by law’ – AGF Fagbemi
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has stated that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is lawful and in accordance with the law.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fagbemi clarified that Egbetokun’s appointment, effective from October 31, 2023, remains valid for a four-year tenure, as stipulated by the amended Police Act of 2024.
He explained that under the revised Police Act, the IGP is entitled to serve for four years, regardless of reaching the age of 60 or completing 35 years of service, as required by general civil service rules. This clarification comes amid ongoing debates over whether Egbetokun should retire upon reaching the conventional retirement age.
Fagbemi emphasized that the amended Police Act takes precedence over standard civil service regulations in determining the IGP’s tenure, ensuring Egbetokun remains in office until 2027.
While some critics have questioned the legality of extending an officer’s service beyond the civil service retirement age, Fagbemi reaffirmed that the law is explicit on the matter, settling any doubts regarding the IGP’s continued leadership.
The statement reads, “The appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September, 2024.
“However, 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.
“This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including the 31st day of October 2027, in order to complete the four-year tenure granted to him.
“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 his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.”
