President Bola Tinubu has removed Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police according to multiple sources.
According to the source, Egbetokun is expected to be replaced by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police recently posted to oversee the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
The source disclosed that Egbetokun was at the Presidential Villa on Monday, where he was reportedly directed to begin preparations for the handover of office.
Egbetokun’s tenure as Inspector-General was marked by a series of controversies, with his extended stay in office, despite statutory retirement provisions, forming the centrepiece of public criticism.
His tenure was extended beyond the mandatory retirement threshold of 60 years of age or 35 years in service, a move that drew sustained criticism from civil society groups, legal experts and commentators. Critics argued that the extension violated established police service rules and undermined institutional discipline.
Among the controversies that trailed his leadership were allegations surrounding the promotion of Bukola Kuti to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police. Critics alleged that her perceived closeness to the Inspector-General conferred undue advantage, fuelling accusations of favouritism and nepotism within the Nigeria Police Force. These allegations were denied by police authorities.
Further controversy arose following claims that N100 million from Anambra State’s security vote was traced to the bank account of Victor, Egbetokun’s son. The allegation sparked widespread public concern over the possible diversion of state security funds for personal benefit.
Rather than permitting an independent investigation into the claims, critics alleged that police authorities deployed institutional resources to pursue legal action against individuals and media platforms that reported the matter, deepening suspicions of corruption and abuse of office. Police authorities, however, maintained that the reports were defamatory.
During this period, Egbetokun’s office was repeatedly in the news over legal actions against journalists and activists. He initiated multiple charges against activist Omoyele Sowore and SaharaReporters after Sowore publicly described him as an “illegal IGP.”
The dispute escalated into protracted legal battles, with the Federal High Court issuing injunctions restricting further publications relating to Egbetokun and members of his family. Critics interpreted these court actions as attempts to stifle dissent and weaken press freedom.
Following additional reports on alleged promotions and financial improprieties, further court orders were issued restraining media organisations from publishing reports concerning Egbetokun, his son Victor, and Bukola Kuti.
Observers argued that, rather than addressing the allegations through transparent and independent investigations, the police leadership appeared more focused on legal countermeasures against critics—reinforcing public perceptions of an embattled Inspector-General relying on state authority to defend personal and professional interests.
