Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has refuted claims that he has been lobbying the National Assembly to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to extend his tenure and the service years of police personnel.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, addressed the allegations in a statement, clarifying that the proposed bill was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not advance beyond the initial stages before the Assembly’s dissolution. Adejobi emphasized that it is common legislative practice to review and update laws to reflect current national realities.
The proposed amendment aims to extend the years of service for police officers from 35 to 40 years and increase the retirement age from 60 to 65 years.
“The Nigeria Police Force is deeply perturbed by the dissemination of false information across various media platforms, notably the distorted publication by an online media, regarding the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020,” Adejobi stated. “The misleading publications alleged that IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun personally initiated this bill to prolong his tenure as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police and has allegedly invested significantly in lobbying lawmakers to facilitate its passage.”
IGP Egbetokun expressed disappointment over the baseless accusations, criticizing media outlets and their sponsors for spreading misinformation. He stressed that any modifications to existing legislation aim to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of the Nigeria Police Force, not for personal gain.
“To understand the true motivations behind this initiative, one needs only to look at the Inspector General of Police’s steadfast commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read. “His advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the conditions of service for police officers and thereby bolster security nationwide, rather than seeking personal gain. It comes from a place of duty rather than benefit.”
The statement also highlighted that the tenure of an Inspector General of Police is already prescribed as four years, with the President being the sole authority empowered to remove an IGP before the completion of the tenure.
The Nigeria Police Force urged the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims. “Such misinformation not only misleads but also detracts from constructive dialogue and efforts towards meaningful police reform,” the statement concluded.
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