By: Bayero Ade
The Nigeria Police Force has rejected allegations by activist Omoyele Sowore that the tenure of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun is unlawful.
According to PUNCH, in a statement released on January 30, 2025, the Police described Sowore’s assertions as unfounded and misleading, emphasizing that they were intended to discredit the legitimacy of Egbetokun’s appointment.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that the IGP’s appointment strictly follows the provisions of the amended Police Act of 2020, making it legally valid.
Sowore was arrested on Monday and detained at the Intelligence Response Team facility in Abuja over comments he made in December 2024 questioning the legality of Egbetokun’s tenure. He was arraigned on Wednesday and later granted bail on Thursday in the sum of N10 million, with one surety in the same amount.
According to the Police, the appointment of Egbetokun was duly approved by the Police Council and confirmed by the Presidency. His tenure, spanning from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, remains legally binding.
The statement further referenced PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which states that “The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years,” reinforcing the legality of the appointment.
The Police noted that recent amendments to the Act were introduced to ensure stable and consistent leadership, enabling the IGP to execute long-term security initiatives without disruption.
Describing Sowore’s allegations as an attempt to incite distrust and erode public confidence in law enforcement, the Police cautioned against spreading false information, warning that it could pose risks to national security.
The statement urged Nigerians to prioritize factual and constructive discussions that contribute to national safety rather than promoting narratives that could create instability.
“We call on all citizens to engage in responsible discourse that strengthens our collective commitment to protecting lives and property, rather than spreading misinformation that could weaken public trust in the Police Force,” the PPRO concluded.
Leave a Reply