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A sudden shake-up is unfolding at the highest level of Nigeria’s policing structure, with strong indications that the tenure of the Inspector General of Police has been abruptly cut short, despite earlier assurances of continuity.
Kayode Egbetokun is understood to have stepped down from office following a direct request from Bola Tinubu, in what insiders describe as a decisive intervention at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
A presidency source told Premium Times that the decision was reached during a private meeting between both men on Monday, signalling a dramatic turn in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Emerging as the likely successor is Tunji Disu, currently serving as an Assistant Inspector General of Police, with arrangements reportedly in motion for a formal transfer of authority.
Although official confirmation remains pending, multiple sources within both the presidency and police hierarchy suggest that groundwork for a handover ceremony is already ongoing.
Egbetokun’s exit comes against the backdrop of a tenure that had, until now, appeared shielded by legal backing. Appointed on 19 June 2023 as the 22nd IGP, his position was solidified months later after endorsement by the Nigeria Police Council.
Despite reaching the statutory retirement age of 60 in September 2024, legislative changes had extended his stay.
The amended Police Act granted him the right to complete a fixed four-year term, theoretically keeping him in office until October 2027.
The presidency had consistently defended this position, maintaining that his continued service was in full compliance with the law, even as public criticism mounted.
Yet, the unfolding development suggests a reversal of that stance, cutting short what was expected to be a prolonged tenure.
Egbetokun’s time in office was not without turbulence. His leadership drew scrutiny over allegations of human rights abuses, adding to the pressure that shadowed his administration.
As of press time, the presidency has not released an official statement confirming the development. Efforts to reach presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga proved unsuccessful as his phone rang thrice without picking up the calls.
Similarly, calls to the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, were neither answered nor returned. A WhatsApp message to the FPRO also indicated that he was not available at the time.
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