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Is
IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure in the Nigeria Police Force legal, or does it
violate established Public Service Rules (Rule 020810)?
This
is the burning question that has stirred debates among legal experts,
politicians, and police officers alike.
With
the retirement of police officers set at 60 years or 35 years of service, one
would expect that IGP Kayode Egbetokun should have retired by now.
However,
the Nigeria Police (Amendment) Act, 2024 appears to have changed the narrative.
In
this article, we will explore both sides of the argument, examining the legal,
procedural, and ethical implications of Egbetokun’s extended tenure in office
as the Inspector General of Police in Nigeria.
For more information about Afe
Babalola vs. Dele Farotimi | How Fapohunda’s Legal Gambit Redefined Defamation
in Ekiti, you can see this link Global-Education-GES-Journal on Afe Babalolavs. Dele Farotimi | How Fapohunda’s Legal Gambit Redefined Defamation in Ekiti.
2.0
Understanding Rule 020810 Of The Public Service Rules
List of Nigerian Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) 1
| Name |
Tenure |
State of Origin |
Year of Appointment |
Year of Exit |
| Kayode Egbetokun |
June 2023 – Present |
Ogun |
2023 |
Present |
| Usman Alkali Baba |
April 2021 – June 2023 |
Borno |
2021 |
2023 |
| Mohammed Adamu |
January 2019 – April 2021 |
Nasarawa |
2019 |
2021 |
| Ibrahim Kpotun Idris |
March 2016 – January 2019 |
Niger |
2016 |
2019 |
Rule
020810 of the Nigerian Public Service Rules is clear about the retirement
police officers must follow:
- -
Public servants must retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service,
whichever comes first.
- -
Certain exceptions apply to judicial officers (retirement at 70) and university
academic staff (retirement at 65).
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tactics? Read this exclusive on Global-Education-GES-Journal: Legal Limbo | WhyIs Afe Babalola Dodging Civil Litigation Against Dele Farotimi?
3.0
How Does This Affect IGP Kayode Egbetokun?
IGP
Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, turned 60 years old on September 4, 2024.
According
to Public Service Rules (Rule 020810), he should have retired.
However,
his continued stay in office has raised eyebrows, leading to legal scrutiny and
political debates.
For an insightful take on Nigeria’s
justice paradox, check out Global-Education-GES-Journal on Twist of Justice | ASAN Can Petition the Police but Can’t Defend an Accused in Magistrate Court?
4.0
Arguments Against Egbetokun’s Extended Tenure
4.10
IGP Kayode Egbetokun Is A Public Servant
As
a serving Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun falls under the
jurisdiction of the Public Service Rules.
His
role is classified as a civil service appointment, making him subject to the
same retirement police policies as other officers.
4.20
Rule 020810 Does Not Include IGPs
The
exception in Public Service Rules (020810) (iii) applies only to Judicial
Officers (retire at 70) and Academic Staff of Universities (retire at 65).
Since
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun is neither a judge nor a
university professor, he does not qualify for this extension.
Get the full story on why Dele
Farotimi might not need a lawyer—read Global-Education-GES-Journal on EbiseniWeighs In | Why Dele Farotimi Needs No Lawyer to Fight His Legal Battle.
4.30
Precedent of Past Inspectors General of Police
List of Nigerian Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) 2
| Name |
Tenure |
State of Origin |
Year of Appointment |
Year of Exit |
| Solomon Arase |
April 2015 – June 2016 |
Edo |
2015 |
2016 |
| Suleiman Abba |
August 2014 – April 2015 |
Jigawa |
2014 |
2015 |
| Mohammed Dikko Abubakar |
January 2012 – July 2014 |
Zamfara |
2012 |
2014 |
Historically,
most police promotions have followed the retirement rules.
Past
IGPs have retired immediately upon reaching 60 or after 35 years of service.
Why
should this case be different? This raises concerns about favoritism and
selective application of laws.
Is there a hidden summon behind the
bench warrant? Find out on Global-Education-GES-Journal: Farotimi Hits Back |Secret Summons? The Truth Behind the Bench Warrant Controversy.
5.0
Arguments Supporting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s Extended
Tenure
5.10
The Police Act 2020 And The 2024 Amendment
While
Public Service Rules (020810) sets a general rule for police pension, Section18
(8) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 previously aligned with this rule by
stating:
"A
police officer shall serve for 35 years or retire at the age of 60, whichever
comes first."
However,
the Nigeria Police Amendment Act, 2024, introduced Section 18(8A), which
overrides this provision:
"Notwithstanding
the provisions of subsection (8), any person appointed to the office of
Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term
stipulated in the letter of appointment, in line with the provisions of Section
7(6) of this Act."
A legal twist you didn’t see
coming—read Global-Education-GES-Journal on Afe Babalola’s Legal Maze | How aWrit of Summons from Lagos Took an Unlikely Turn in Ekiti.
5.20
Fixed Tenure For The Inspector General Of Police
The
amendment aligns with Section 7(6) of the Police Act 2020, which guarantees a
four-year tenure for any appointed IGP, ensuring continuity in leadership and
stability in police promotions.
5.30
The Need For Leadership Stability
Frequent
early retirement police changes in leadership have historically affected the efficiency
of the force.
Allowing
the IGP to complete a full term fosters better long-term planning and
institutional stability.
6.0
Public Perception And Legal Implications
List of Nigerian Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) 3
| Name |
Tenure |
State of Origin |
Year of Appointment |
Year of Exit |
| Hafiz Ringim |
2010 – 2012 |
Jigawa |
2010 |
2012 |
| Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo |
2009 – 2010 |
Enugu |
2009 |
2010 |
| Mike Mbama Okiro |
2007 – 2009 |
Imo |
2007 |
2009 |
The
legality of IGP Egbetokun’s tenure is now before Honorable Justice Abdulla
Liman at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The
court will determine whether the Nigeria Police (Amendment) Act, 2024 lawfully
extends his tenure or contradicts existing public service rules.
6.10
Implications Of The Verdict
- -
If The Court Upholds The Amendment: Egbetokun will complete his four-year term,
setting a precedent for future IGPs.
- -
If The Court Rules Against The Amendment: He will be forced to retire, reaffirming
the supremacy of Rule 020810.
6.20
What This Means For Future IGP Appointments
Should
Egbetokun be allowed to continue, future appointment for police clearance will
likely follow the same tenure-based model rather than the standard policepension age limit.
6.30
Key Takeaways
- -
Rule 020810 sets a compulsory retirement police age of 60.
- -
The 2024 Police Act Amendment allows the IGP to serve a four-year tenure,
overriding this rule.
- -
The case is now in court, and its verdict will determine future appointment
police clearance procedures.
7.0
Conclusion: What’s Next?
The
debate over IGP Egbetokun’s tenure is more than just a legal battle—it’s a test
of institutional integrity.
Does
the promotion of police hierarchy outweigh statutory retirement laws?
Will
this be a turning point in police clearance appointment regulations?
As
we await the court’s verdict, one thing is clear: the outcome will redefine
leadership structures in the Nigeria Police Force for years to come. Stay
tuned!
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