Egbetokun Defies PSC’s Retirement Directive, Orders Senior Officers to Stay in Office

By: Bayero Ade

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has overruled the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) directive, which mandates the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have served for over 35 years or reached the age of 60.

According to Afripost, Egbetokun has instead instructed that these officers remain in service until further notice.

In a memo obtained by Peoples Gazette on Wednesday evening, Egbetokun directed all police departments to suspend implementation of the PSC’s directive, pending additional instructions. The document, dated February 5, 2025, stated: “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 decision follows a statement by PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani, issued last week, which explained that the commission had revised its earlier 2017 plenary decision. The change, which had allowed police officers to use their date of enlistment for retirement calculations, was reversed after it was deemed inconsistent with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.

The PSC, however, clarified that it does not have constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the IGP. This has led to a challenge of Egbetokun’s authority, as the Police Service Commission’s Establishment Act outlines its role in the appointment, promotion, and retirement of police officers.

Egbetokun’s counter-directive has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the legality of his continued tenure as IGP. This dispute over his appointment was recently highlighted in a legal battle involving human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who called the appointment illegal. The police force, however, has defended the appointment as constitutional.

Egbetokun, born in September 1964, turned 60 in September 2024. He joined the police force in 1990 and was appointed IGP by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.