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The Police Service Commission has denied issuing a directive for the immediate retirement of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
On Friday, the commission ordered officers over 60 years old or have served for more than 35 years to proceed with immediate retirement.
This directive came amid controversies surrounding the IG’s tenure, as he turned 60 last year.
Despite clarifications from both the police and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, concerns over the IG’s tenure have persisted.
In a statement on Monday, the PSC’s Head of Media, Ikechukwu Ani, clarified that the IG was not included in the commission’s directive, adding that the commission has no authority over Egbetokun.
He said, “The PSC has been inundated with calls, messages, and reports on the status of the IG following the commission’s decision, directing all serving police officers who have served for 35 years or have attained the age of 60 years to proceed on immediate retirement, in line with the nation’s existing laws.
“The commission wishes to state that it does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police.
“The Police Service Commission is one of the Federal Executive Bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. By virtue of Paragraph 30, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and Clause 6(1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001, the commission is charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal, and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force (except the Inspector-General of Police).”
Ani explained that the IG is a presidential appointee, chosen based on the advice of the Police Council.
He said, “The law is clear on the mandate of the commission, and it does not extend to the Inspector-General of Police, who is an appointee of the President, with the advice of the Police Council.
“The commission at its 1st extraordinary meeting of the 6th management board on Friday, January 31, 2025, only considered and made a decision on the regularisation of the date of first appointment of CADET ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants. This has nothing to do with the Inspector-General of Police or his office.
“The commission wishes to state that it is comfortable with the size of the powers bestowed upon it by the constitution and is not interested in seeking additional powers that are not backed by law.
“It notes that it has maintained a close and complementary working relationship with the Inspector-General of Police in the overall interest of the Nigeria Police Force.”
