AGF confirms legality of IGP Egbetokun’s tenure extension

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has affirmed the legality of the continued tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, clarifying that his stay in office is backed by law.

In a statement, Fagbemi explained that Egbetokun’s appointment, which took effect on October 31, 2023, would have ordinarily ended upon his attainment of the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4, 2024.

However, he noted that an amendment to the Police Act has extended the tenure of any serving IGP, allowing them to complete a full four-year term regardless of age.

Under the revised Section 7(6) of the Police Act, Egbetokun is now statutorily entitled to remain in office until October 31, 2027.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act, amended in 2024, which grants an IGP a four-year term from the date of appointment,” the AGF stated.