By Gabriel Ameh
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly resigned from office following a request by President Bola Tinubu, according to sources within the Presidency.
A senior official familiar with the development disclosed that Mr Egbetokun met with the President at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, where he was asked to step down.
Sources in both the Presidency and the Force Headquarters indicate that Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, is expected to take over leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Preparations are reportedly underway for a formal handover ceremony, although no official announcement had been made as of press time.
Mr Egbetokun was appointed the 22nd Inspector-General of Police on 19 June 2023. His appointment was later confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on 31 October 2023.
Although he was due for statutory retirement on 4 September 2024 upon attaining the age of 60, an amendment to the Police Act by the National Assembly allowed him to serve a full four-year tenure unless removed by the President. This positioned him to remain in office until October 2027.
His tenure drew mixed reactions from the public, with critics raising concerns over allegations of human rights violations and policing conduct.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had not issued an official statement confirming the development. Efforts to reach presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and Force Public Relations Officer Ben Hundeyin were unsuccessful.
An official announcement is expected in the coming hours.
More details will follow as the story develops.
