The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office at the request of President Bola Tinubu.
A source in the presidency said Mr Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
Mr Egbetokun is expected to be replaced by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police.
Although no official announcement has been made, sources at the presidency and police headquarters said preparations are ongoing for a formal handover ceremony between Mr Egbetokun and Mr Disu.
President Tinubu appointed Mr Egbetokun as the 22nd Inspector General of Police on 19 June 2023. The Nigeria Police Council confirmed his appointment on 31 October 2023.
ALSO READ: Lagos govt hikes BRT, standard bus fares by 13%
He was appointed at the age of 58 and 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 complete a four-year term unless removed by the president.
He had therefore been expected to remain in office until 31 October 2027.
Despite concerns raised by some Nigerians, the presidency maintained that Mr Egbetokun’s continued stay in office was lawful under the amended Police Act 2024, which permits an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term regardless of age or years of service.
His tenure included several controversies, including allegations of human rights abuses.
The presidency has not yet issued an official statement confirming his removal. Attempts to reach presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga and police spokesperson Ben Hundeyin were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report. However, a presidency source said an official announcement would be made later on Tuesday.
Further details are expected in subsequent reports.