The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed claims by activist Omoyele Sowore that the tenure of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun is illegal.
In a statement issued on January 30, 2025, the Force described Sowore’s allegations as baseless and misleading, insisting that they were aimed at discrediting the legitimacy of IGP Egbetokun’s appointment.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed that Egbetokun’s appointment aligns with the provisions of the amended Police Act of 2020 and is fully legal.
Sowore was arrested on Monday and detained at the Intelligence Response Team facility in Abuja over his statements from December 2024, which questioned the legality of the IGP’s tenure.
He was arraigned on Wednesday and granted bail on Thursday in the sum of N10 million, with one surety in like sum.
According to the Police, Egbetokun’s appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council and approved by the Presidency.
His tenure, running from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, remains legally binding.
Citing the legal framework, the statement emphasized, “IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly backed by law, specifically 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.’”
The Police further highlighted that amendments to the Police Act were made to ensure stability and continuity in leadership, allowing the IGP to implement long-term security strategies without fear of abrupt termination.
Rejecting Sowore’s claims as an attempt to incite discord and undermine public trust in the Force, the statement warned that such misinformation could threaten national security.
The Force urged the public to engage in constructive discussions that contribute to national security, rather than spreading disinformation that could disrupt law enforcement efforts.
“We encourage citizens to focus on objective discussions that enhance our collective mission of safeguarding lives and property rather than spreading misinformation that could weaken public confidence in law enforcement,” the PPRO stated.
