The Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has countered the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) directive for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have either served for over 35 years or are above 60 years of age.
Egbetokun has instructed that these officers remain in office until further notice.
In a document obtained by Peoples Gazette on Wednesday evening, Egbetokun directed all police departments to suspend action on the PSC’s order pending further instructions.
The document, dated February 5, 2025, reads: “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… Inspector General of Police strongly directs you to stay action pending further directive for your strict compliance.”
This development followed a statement issued by PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani last week.
In the statement, Ani explained that the commission had revised its earlier decision from the September 2017 plenary meeting, which allowed force entrants to use their date of enlistment rather than their original appointment date for retirement calculations.
The PSC reversed this decision, citing inconsistency with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or when reaching 60 years of age.
However, the PSC clarified that it does not have the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of IGP Egbetokun.
Egbetokun’s counter-order challenges the PSC’s authority to appoint, promote, or retire police officers, as outlined in the Police Service Commission’s Establishment Act.
The controversy surrounding his continued tenure as IGP has sparked debate, with critics arguing that it contradicts existing laws.
Recall that Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was even taken to court for calling Egbetokun’s appointment illegal, while the police force defended the appointment and tenure extension as constitutional.
Egbetokun, born in September 1964, turned 60 last September.
He joined the police force in 1990 and was appointed IGP by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.
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