The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, has reaffirmed the legality of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, despite reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60.
In a statement released on Thursday, Fagbemi explained that Egbetokun’s tenure remains valid under the newly amended Police Act, which allows an IGP to serve a full four-year term, regardless of the standard retirement age.
“The appointment of Egbetokun, which took effect from 31st October 2023, would have ordinarily ended upon his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th 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,” Fagbemi stated.
The AGF emphasized that under the amended law, Egbetokun is entitled to serve until 31st October 2027, fulfilling his full tenure as mandated.
This would effectively put Egbetokun fully in charge of security issues during the 2027 general elections which would hold before May 29 2027.
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“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act, amended in 2024, which allows the occupant of the office to serve a four-year term effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st October 2023,” Fagbemi clarified.
He urged the public to disregard any misinformation regarding Egbetokun’s tenure and assured that his continuation in office was fully backed by law.
Despite the AGF’s clarification, Egbetokun’s extended stay has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that he should have retired after turning 60 on 4th September 2024.
Abuja-based lawyer Maxwell Okpara has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the government’s decision to allow Egbetokun to remain in office.
Okpara argued that under the Public Service Rules, Egbetokun, who was born on 4th September 1964, had reached the mandatory retirement age and should have vacated his position.
Similarly, human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has also criticized the extension, calling it illegal. Sowore was later arrested and charged with cybercrimes, though authorities have not directly linked his arrest to his stance on Egbetokun’s tenure.
With ongoing legal battles and public debate, the controversy surrounding Egbetokun’s extended tenure is far from over. However, the government maintains that his stay in office is legally justified under the amended Police Act.