In defiance of the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) directive for the immediate retirement of senior officers who have exceeded 35 years in service or turned 60, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has commanded the affected officers to remain in office.
In a document obtained by Peoples Gazette on Wednesday evening, Mr. Egbetokun countered the PSC’s order, instructing all police-related departments to halt any action pending further directives.
The document, dated February 5, 2025, stated:
“RE: Police Service Commission decision at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th management board on the regularization of first appointment of cadet ASPs/Inspectors force entrants ref. Mylet No CH:8400/FS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL2/292 dated 1st February 2025 X Inspector General of Police strongly directs you stay action on let under ref pending further directive above for your strict compliance acknowledge receipt please.”
Last week, PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani announced that the commission’s order followed a review of its decision from its 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which previously allowed force entrants to use their enlistment date instead of their initial appointment date.
Mr. Ani explained that the commission reversed this stance, citing a violation of Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.
However, the PSC clarified that it lacks the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of Mr. Egbetokun.
If upheld, Mr. Egbetokun’s counter-order challenges the PSC’s statutory responsibility to appoint, promote, and dismiss police officers under its Establishment Act.
The Inspector General’s continued stay in office has sparked widespread controversy, with critics arguing that it contradicts existing laws.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was taken to court after calling Mr. Egbetokun’s tenure illegal. The Force defended his appointment and tenure extension, asserting that both were constitutional.
Mr. Egbetokun, born in September 1964, turned 60 last year. He joined the police force in 1990 and was appointed Inspector General by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
