Sowore takes protest to Police Headquarters over IGP Egbetokun’s alleged illegal tenure extension
Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate of the Africa Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 election, on Wednesday, led a protest at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters (FHQ) in Abuja, demanding the immediate removal of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun over his alleged “illegal tenure extension.”
The protesters carried a banner with an image combo of Egbetokun whom they said ought to have retired since September 2024, and another retired police inspector, Linus Monday, who is in jail for continuing to function in his post, doing stop and search operations despite retirement. The protesters claimed there’s no difference between the two officers. They left the banner at the entrance of the police headquarters.
Retired Inspector Linus Monday was arrested in 2022 after a viral video showed him in a police uniform with ID card number 6257 doing stop-and-search operations.
Citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution, the protesters argued that public servants are required to retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60—whichever comes first.
Speaking during the protest, Sowore said, “One retired officer is in jail for impersonating a police officer, while Egbetokun continues to function in office after retirement. This is unjust.”
He noted the irony of the IGP’s actions, stating that while Egbetokun has overseen the retirement of several Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs), he has refused to vacate office himself.
The protestors further referenced a September 2024 statement issued by the Attorney General of the Federation, which affirmed that Egbetokun’s tenure had legally ended, raising concerns over President Tinubu’s continued support for his stay in office.
“Even Tinubu has no authority to override the Constitution,” Sowore said. “If he loves Egbetokun so much, he can appoint him as manager of the NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers) after retirement. But no retired officer should wear the police uniform.”
He linked Egbetokun’s extended stay to what he called a deepening security crisis across the country, citing the recent killing of over 60 people in Plateau State within a 48-hour period. According to Sowore, the police only responded after the attacks had taken place.
“What happened to intelligence gathering? Is the police only effective when tracking critics on social media?” he asked, accusing the IGP of exhibiting reactive rather than proactive leadership.
Sowore also claimed that the tenure extension had demoralised lower-ranking officers and hindered upward mobility within the force. “How can ASPs dream of becoming IGP if the position is held hostage?” he questioned.
He demanded that Egbetokun not only vacate office immediately but also refund all salaries and allowances collected since his official retirement date on September 4, 2024. “No one should overstay, not even for a day,” Sowore insisted. “After removal, he must return every kobo earned illegally.”
The protest also rejected tenure extensions for other public officials, including the Comptroller-General of Immigration.
Egbetokun, appointed in June 2023, is therefore legally backed by the amendment to remain in office until 2027, barring removal or resignation. However, critics like Sowore argued that the amendment is unconstitutional and sets a dangerous precedent.
While lawmakers defend the change as a means of ensuring leadership stability, critics warn that such extensions could foster stagnation, undermine morale within the force, and impact internal security dynamics.
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