Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has described the resignation of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun as confirmation that his stay in office lacked legal backing.
Speaking on The Morning Brief, Sowore said, “This removal or resignation, as they like to address it, is an acknowledgment of the fact that his tenure was never legit.”
He accused the former police chief of using force against officers who demanded improved welfare. “He did use force, I was arrested after we did the police protest, detained and attacked inside the cell at the Force Intelligence Department (FID) by men of the police force led by the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP),” Sowore alleged.
According to him, officers who shared messages and participated in WhatsApp groups advocating better welfare were arrested, dismissed, or detained for months. “Several policemen who forwarded messages and WhatsApp groups asking for better welfare for policemen and promoting our protests were also arrested… some of them were detained for several months so he did use force,” he said.
Sowore further criticised Egbetokun’s performance in office, claiming he failed to address insecurity or strengthen professionalism within the force. “He was the person who declared that he was the tiger himself; he was a sheep throughout his tenure. He did nothing to curb criminal activities… He just fumbled through his tenure,” he stated.
He also faulted the extension of Egbetokun’s tenure beyond statutory retirement limits, arguing that “when someone is retired and the law didn’t give you the permission to extend your tenure for four years, don’t try to do it.” Sowore alleged that promotions under his leadership were mishandled, adding that protests contributed to the promotion of 74,000 officers and the removal of about 500 senior officers.
Egbetokun resigned on Tuesday, citing pressing family considerations. Following his exit, President Bola Tinubu appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting IGP with immediate effect.
The President expressed confidence that Disu’s experience and leadership would provide steady direction for the Nigeria Police Force during a critical period.
Egbetokun was appointed the 22nd IGP on June 19, 2023. His extended stay in office, beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 years or 35 years of service, drew criticism from civil society groups who argued it contravened established service regulations.
In July 2024, the National Assembly passed the Police Act (Amendment) Bill, allowing an appointed IGP to remain in office for the duration specified in the letter of appointment. Before his new role, Disu headed the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos, and was elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General last year.
