Lawsuit Challenging IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure Lacks Locus Standi

By Danjuma Lamido

My attention was drawn to a publication titled “Lawyer Files Lawsuit Challenging IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s Tenure, Cites Retirement Age Violation” filed by a public interest litigation lawyer, Maxwell Opara, at the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the tenure of the current Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. 

The appointment and tenure of the Inspector General of Police have long been addressed by Justice James Omotosho of a Federal High Court two years ago when he dismissed a suit seeking the sack of the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Alkali Baba Usman.

The court dismissed the lawsuit Michael Sam Idoko, an activist based in Abuja, filed against President Muhammadu Buhari and four others for lack of locus standi.

In his judgement, Justice Omotoso invoked Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020, which put the tenure of office of any IGP at four years.

The judge held that the retirement of Usman from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has nothing to do with his appointment on the ground that the four-year tenure is sacrosanct.

So also, the retirement of Egbetokun from the Nigeria Police Force has nothing to do with his appointment on the ground that the four-year tenure is sacrosanct.

Maxwell Opara is not a serving police officer qualified for appointment or ever applied for the IGP’s position; therefore, he has no jurisdiction in instituting the case under the guise of public interest.

I believe that the Federal High Court Justices that will handle the matter will throw away the case for lacking locus standi

Danjuma Lamido is a public affairs analyst based in Kano. danjumalamido06@gmail.com