The Police Service Commission (PSC) has denied issuing any directive for the immediate retirement of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. This clarification comes amid growing concerns and speculations over the IG’s tenure, as he turned 60 last year.
The controversy arose after the commission ordered police officers who have either reached 60 years of age or completed 35 years of service to proceed with immediate retirement. This decision led to speculation that Egbetokun, who falls within this category, was also affected. However, the PSC has now addressed these concerns, making it clear that the directive does not apply to the Inspector-General of Police.
In a statement released on Monday, the PSC’s Head of Media, Ikechukwu Ani, noted that the commission has no authority to determine the appointment or removal of the IG.
He said, “The PSC has been inundated with calls, messages, and reports on the status of the IG following the commission’s decision, directing all serving police officers who have served for 35 years or have attained the age of 60 years to proceed on immediate retirement, in line with the nation’s existing laws.
“The commission wishes to state that it does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police.
“The Police Service Commission is one of the Federal Executive Bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. By virtue of Paragraph 30, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and Clause 6(1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001, the commission is charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal, and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force (except the Inspector-General of Police).”
Ani explained that the IG is a presidential appointee, chosen based on the advice of the Police Council.
He said, “The law is clear on the mandate of the commission, and it does not extend to the Inspector-General of Police, who is an appointee of the President, with the advice of the Police Council.
“The commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th management board on Friday, January 31, 2025, only considered and made a decision on the regularisation of the date of first appointment of CADET ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants. This has nothing to do with the Inspector-General of Police or his office.
“The commission wishes to state that it is comfortable with the size of the powers bestowed upon it by the constitution and is not interested in seeking additional powers that are not backed by law.
“It notes that it has maintained a close and complementary working relationship with the Inspector-General of Police in the overall interest of the Nigeria Police Force.”
