EXCLUSIVE: Disu’s Abuja arrival sparks rumour over IGP Egbetokun’s tenure

By Raphael Innocent –

The arrival of the Head of the Intelligence Response Team, Tunji Disu, in Abuja on Tuesday has fuelled fresh speculation over the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, amid rumours that the tenure of the incumbent Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, may have come to an abrupt end.

Western Post gathered from sources within the police hierarchy that Disu’s presence in the Federal Capital Territory triggered conjecture that he could be set to assume office as the new IGP, although there has been no official confirmation from the Presidency or the Police Service Commission.

The development comes against the backdrop of months of speculation surrounding Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, despite repeated assurances from the Federal Government that his tenure remains legally protected.

In January, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, publicly affirmed that Egbetokun’s position as IGP was secure and in accordance with the law.

Fagbemi explained that Egbetokun’s appointment took effect from 31 October 2023 and that before attaining retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to complete the statutory four-year tenure, even after turning 60. “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 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,” Fagbemi had stated.

According to the Attorney General, the 2024 amendment to the Act effectively extended Egbetokun’s tenure to 31 October 2027, enabling him to complete the four-year term stipulated under Section 7(6).

Despite this legal backing, internal tensions are said to have persisted within the Force, with some officers alleging that Disu had previously been redeployed in what his supporters viewed as attempts to sideline him from succession considerations.

As of press time, neither the Presidency nor police authorities had issued any statement indicating that Egbetokun’s tenure had ended or that Disu had been appointed as the new IGP.