Why Tinubu sacked IGP Kayode Egbetokun

Speculations ranging from health reasons to disobedience to court orders and strategic security matters have been adduced as reasons why the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, resigned his appointment, on Tuesday.

Egbetokun resigned at the request of President Bola Tinubu, following a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday. He'll be replaced by AIG Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Force CID Annex, Lagos. 

Egbetokun was appointed IGP in June 2023 and was expected to serve until October 2027, thanks to an amendment to the Police Act allowing him a four-year term. His tenure faced criticism and allegations of human rights abuses, particularly during protests and security operations.

Some sources suggest his removal might be linked to health concerns and controversies surrounding his leadership, including allegations of discrimination and disregard for court orders. 

Egbetokun was appointed by President Tinubu as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police on 19 June 2023 while the Police Council confirmed the substantive appointment on 31 October that year.

Egbetokun, who was 58 years old on appointment as IGP, was due for retirement on 4 September 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 60.

However, the National Assembly amended the police law, allowing him to serve his full four-year term as IG unless removed by the president.