Police Leadership Change, Sowore Alleges Removal of IGP
Omoyele Sowore, 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), claimed that Inspector‑General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has been removed and replaced by a senior officer from the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Lagos. Sowore did not provide official proof, and at the time, neither the Presidency nor the Nigeria Police Force had confirmed the claim.
Efforts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages by press time.
Sowore has repeatedly questioned Egbetokun’s tenure, arguing that the police chief should have retired at 60 years, before the Police Act was amended to allow a four‑year term regardless of age.
A source within the Police Service Commission said that President Bola Tinubu has removed Egbetokun as the 22nd Inspector‑General of Police. Assistant Inspector‑General of Police Tunji Disu is expected to become the 23rd IGP. Egbetokun was reportedly at the Presidential Villa preparing for a handover.
Disu, who recently led the Force CID Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, is expected to assume office following the official handover.
Egbetokun’s tenure drew criticism, with allegations of favouritism in promotions and his extended stay past retirement age fueling public debate.
Earlier reports indicated no official confirmation of his removal when Sowore made his claim, highlighting uncertainty around the leadership change.
The Nigeria Police Force has not yet issued a public statement on the matter, leaving questions about the transition and Sowore’s allegation unanswered.