The Police Service Commission (PSC) has ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60.
The decision came amid ongoing controversy over the tenure of the incumbent Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who recently turned 60.
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Ikechukwu Ani, PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, in a statement on Friday, said the “PSC rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age”.
The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), presided over the extraordinary meeting, which also had in attendance Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon. Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Hon. Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
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The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation, Ani said.
According to Ani, the reversal was necessary due to inconsistencies with the Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon reaching 35 years of service or the age of 60.
“The Police Service Commission rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” Ani stated.
He added, “The commission has passionately revisited their decision and has concluded that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of the merger of service in the public service and violates Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.
“The commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation,” Ani concluded.
Egbetokun has continued to face the heat since Monday, January 27, when a human rights activist and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, Omoyele Sowore, honoured the police invitation in Abuja.
Sowore was later charged by the police for alleged cyberstalking and false publication against Egbetokun on Tuesday, January 28.
The charges, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and shared by Sowore’s handle on X, showed that the lawsuit stemmed from his posts on X, where he was said to have referred to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.”
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According to the charge, the police accused Sowore of making statements capable of causing a breakdown of law and order.
Sowore, in a fresh post on his Facebook handle on Thursday, January 30, insisted that the IGP’s tenure was illegal.
However, in a statement signed by police spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, on Thursday, the NPF said Sowore’s claim was unfounded and sought to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the police.
It referred to Part III, Section 7 (6) of the amended Police Act, 2020, which states, “The person appointed to the office of the inspector-general of police shall hold office for four years.”
According to the police, this amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the NPF, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination.
“It is crucial for members of the public to be aware that IGP Egbetokun’s status as the 22nd Indigenous inspector-general of police is both legally and procedurally sound,” the NPF stated.
The police said it viewed Sowore’s claim as an attempt to erode public trust and foster confusion regarding the force’s leadership.
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