The Nigeria Police Force has firmly dismissed allegations by activist Omoyele Sowore, who claimed that the tenure of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun is illegal.
In a statement issued on January 30, 2025, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described Sowore’s assertions as “baseless and misleading,” stating that they were intended to question the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment.
“IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in 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,’” Adejobi said.
He emphasized that the appointment had been approved by the Police Council and ratified by the Presidency, confirming its legality. According to the statement, Egbetokun’s tenure runs from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027.
The controversy follows Sowore’s arrest on Monday at the Intelligence Response Team detention facility in Abuja over his claim regarding the IGP’s tenure, which he made in December 2024. He was arraigned on Wednesday and granted bail on Thursday in the sum of N10 million, with one surety in like sum.
The police stressed that the amendments to the Police Act were designed to ensure stability in leadership, allowing the IGP to implement long-term security strategies without fear of sudden dismissal.
“The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination,” the statement read.
Rejecting Sowore’s claims, the police warned that spreading false information could undermine public trust and pose risks to national security.
“We urge all citizens to focus on objective discussions that advance our shared mission of safeguarding lives and property, rather than indulging in disinformation that may undermine the significant strides we continue to make in maintaining public safety,” Adejobi added.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to national security and urged the public to refrain from circulating narratives that could destabilize the country.
