By Kelvin Adegbenga
On Wednesday, 9th April 2025, I noticed mobile policemen occupying strategic locations around the Force Headquarters. A few minutes later, I saw about 15 people with a banner, walking towards the Force Headquarters, demanding the removal of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
Are these people police? That was the first thought that came to my mind. I later discovered they are miscreants led by self-proclaimed human rights activist and sputter-politician Omoyele Sowore.
I was shocked to hear Sowore call the Inspector General of Police “illegally appointed IGP” as well as say that IGP Egbetokun “has overstayed his tenure by remaining in office after his mandatory retirement in 2024.”
First of all, Sowore is a police officer. What is his interest in the office of the Inspector General of Police?
Before the appointment of IGP Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector General of Police, Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020 had been in existence.
Nigerians will remember that the Nigeria Police Force (Establishment) Act of 2020 came into effect on September 17, 2020, replacing the Police Act of 2004. According to the Police Act of 2020, the Inspector General of Police shall be appointed by the President based on the advice of the Police Council, and this appointment must be made from among the serving members of the Police Force.
Section 7(6) of the Nigerian Police Act 2020 specifies that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) holds office for a term of four years. Removal from office can only occur through a presidential decision based on advice from the Police Council.
I recalled that in his judgement in 2023, Justice Omotoso invoked Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020, which puts the tenure of office of any IGP at four years.
The judge held that the retirement of the former IGP from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has nothing to do with his appointment on the ground that the four-year tenure is sacrosanct.
Furthermore, the National Assembly amended Section 18(8) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 in July 2024 to allow the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to complete a four-year tenure, regardless of reaching the age of 60 or the standard 35 years of service.
This was done to address a potential conflict between the general retirement provisions and the IGP’s specific four-year term outlined in Section 7(6).
The amendment introduces subsection (8A), clarifying that the IGP’s tenure is determined by their appointment letter, as per Section 7(6).
This amendment allows the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, to complete his four-year term until 2027, as per his appointment letter.
I wondered what could be the problem of Sowore and his gangsters with the tenure of IGP Egbetokun.
IGP Egbetokun is known for his commitment to enhancing police operations and refining officer perceptions.
He has implemented initiatives to improve criminal investigations and foster a more citizen-focused approach to policing.
His focus includes strengthening internal security, improving officer welfare, and equipping personnel with the necessary resources and training.
The IGP’s leadership emphasises a shift towards citizen-centric policing, with a focus on community engagement and building trust with the public.
My joy is that IGP Egbetokun is not always distracted. He remained committed to fostering trust, mediating institutional conflicts, and implementing forward-looking reforms.
He is building a police force that is not only numerically stronger but also more professional, rule-of-law compliant, service-driven, people-friendly and community-orientated.
It is high time Omoyele Sowore and his gangsters rechanneled their energies to supporting the reform of the renewed hope of President Bola Tinubu rather than becoming a plague to his gullible followers
Kelvin Adegbenga is a public affairs analyst based in Lagos. kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com, @kelvinadegbenga
