The Integrity Youth Alliance, an organisation monitoring the development trends in the Nigeria Police Force for over 15 years, has expressed support for the Police Service Commission’s recent decision to retire senior police officers who have spent over 35 years in service or are above 60 years old, describing the move as transformative and fair.
According to the National Coordinator of the Alliance, Kelvin Adegbenga, the alliance recalls that on 30th December 2024, it wrote a letter titled “Request for investigation of AIG Abdul Yari, AIG Idowu Owohunwa, and others” to the Police Service Commission stating that after close inspection of certain documents, it has become evident that AIG Abdul Yari, AIG Idowu Owohunwa, and others have manipulated the dates on their entry history to inaccurately reflect a longer service history with the Nigeria Police Force than is true.
“We are delighted that the commission has passionately considered our request by suspending AIG Abdul Yari, while others were sent on retirement with immediate effect, Adegbenga said.
“The Police Service Commission’s consideration of our request demonstrates its dedication to ensuring that the police force adheres to administrative and legal standards, fostering efficiency and justice.
“Not only is the PSC’s decision a legal one, but it also aims to restore equity, give younger police a chance to advance in the ranks, and introduce new ideas to Nigerian law enforcement. Younger officers have fewer opportunities to move up and make an impact while senior officers stay in service much past the recommended retirement age.
On the stay in office of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the group said that the IGP’s office is a tenured office, which is supported by Section 7(6) of the Police Act and specifies that the person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.
“A tenured office refers to a position or job where the holder has a secure, long-term right to occupy it, often implying a level of job security and the ability to hold the position for a significant period without fear of being removed.
“We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to continue professionalising the force through accountability and transparency, the statement concluded.
