Fagbemi argued that the Police Act was amended to allow Egbetokun remain in office as IGP despite attaining the age of 60
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), on Thursday insisted that the continuous stay of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun in office “is legal and lawful.”
Prior to this development, human rights activist turned politician, Omoyele Sowore, had in a post on X in December 2024 called Egbetokun “the illegal IG of Nigeria Police Force”.
The police after the post made the rounds arraigned Sowore on an amended charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/23/2025 and named him as the sole defendant.
He was, however, granted N10 million bail by the trial judge after pleading not guilty to all the counts.
Addressing the saga in a statement issued by his office, Fagbemi said the appointment of Egbetokun, which took effect from October 31, 2023 would have ended on his attainment of 60 on September 4, 2024.
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The statement added: “However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.
“This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.
“This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public.”