The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has said the continuous stay of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in office is legal and lawful.
In a statement released on Thursday evening, the AGF explained that the IGP who ought to have retired in September 2024, will continue his duty because the Police Act permits him to serve a four-year tenure before handing over.
The statement reads, “The continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is legal and lawful.
“The appointment of Egbetokun which took effect from 31st day of October, 2023 would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September, 2024.
“However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.
“This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023,” the statement read.
Fagbemi said it is important to set the record straight, “for the guidance of the general public.”
The AGF was apparently responding to former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, who had described Egbetokun as an “illegal” IGP.
The police had charged the activist to court for allegedly using his verified X handle to post a tweet referring to the police chief as an “illegal” IGP.
Sowore was arraigned on Wednesday, where he pleaded not guilty to 17-count charges bordering on cybercrime brought against him by the Nigeria Police Force.
Justice Musa Liman granted Sowore N10m bail with one surety in like sum and ordered him to deposit his international passport with the registrar.
Egbetokun Not Illegal IGP, AGF Replies Sowore is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
