President Bola Tinubu has removed Kayode Egbetokun from his position as the Inspector-General of Police.
According to presidential aides who spoke on condition of anonymity, Tinubu reportedly asked Egbetokun to step aside during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
“Yes. Egbetokun is gone,” one aide said when asked about the decision.
Another aide noted, “A formal statement is being prepared as we speak. The announcement will be made soon.”
Sources within the police hinted that a successor may have been identified, though no official statement has been issued. One source, speaking anonymously, revealed that Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force CID Annex, Lagos maybe in line to succeed the former IGP.
“He has been contacted, but we are all waiting for the official confirmation, which should come later in the day,” the source said.
Egbetokun was appointed on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
His continued tenure in 2024 sparked controversy after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4, though his stay was extended following an amendment to the Police Act.
Egbetokun tendered his resignation – Presidency
Meanwhile, the presidency on Tuesday afternoon said President Tinubu has accepted Egbetokun’s formal resignation as the Inspector-General of Police.
It said the former police boss resigned from office, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.
“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a terse response to media inquiries on Tuesday.