PSC clarifies IGP Egbetokun’s tenure amid retirement speculations

In response to widespread speculation over the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has firmly denied issuing any directive for his immediate retirement.

The clarification follows the commission’s recent mandate requiring all police officers who have turned 60 or completed 35 years of service to proceed on immediate retirement.

Given that IGP Egbetokun turned 60 last year; uncertainty persisted regarding whether the directive applied to him, despite prior explanations from both the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation. In an effort to dispel the confusion, the PSC has now set the record straight.

In a statement issued Monday, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani dismissed reports suggesting that the commission has the authority to determine the IGP’s tenure, emphasizing that such decisions fall outside its constitutional jurisdiction.

“The PSC has been inundated with calls, messages, and reports on the status of the IGP following our directive on officers due for retirement,” Ani said.

“We wish to state categorically that the commission does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector General of Police.”

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Ani further cited Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution and the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act of 2001, reiterating that the PSC’s oversight authority covers police appointments, promotions, and disciplinary actions but does not extend to the IGP, who is directly appointed by the President.

“The law is clear on our mandate. The Inspector General of Police is appointed by Mr. President, with the advice of the Police Council. The PSC plays no role in determining his tenure,” he stated.

Ani also provided insights into the commission’s extraordinary meeting held on January 31, 2025, where discussions centered on the regularization of first appointment dates for Cadet Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and Inspectors who joined through the Force Entry program.

“This decision had nothing to do with the Inspector General of Police or his office,” he noted, stressing that the commission remains committed to its constitutional boundaries and has no intention of overstepping its legal mandate.

Legal and security experts have weighed in on the matter, reinforcing the PSC’s stance. Dr. Adebayo Ogunleye, a constitutional law expert, explained that “The IGP’s tenure is at the discretion of the President. Unless the law is amended, no directive from the PSC can override presidential authority in this regard.”

Similarly, security analyst Kabir Yusuf noted that “While the PSC has disciplinary control over most police officers, it has no jurisdiction over the IGP. Any directive on his retirement must come directly from the presidency.”

With this clarification, the PSC aims to quell further speculation surrounding Egbetokun’s tenure, reaffirming that his fate lies solely in the hands of the President. The commission also emphasized its continued collaboration with the Inspector General of Police to ensure a more efficient and effective Nigeria Police Force.

As the debate continues, all eyes remain on the presidency for any potential directives regarding the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.