Attorney General Defends Legality of IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s Tenure Until 2027

By HM
2 Min Read
“AGF Lateef Fagbemi addresses IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s legal tenure”

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has formally defended the legal and lawful status of Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun tenure legal, dismissing claims of constitutional breaches. In a statement released on Thursday, Fagbemi emphasized that Egbetokun’s position remains protected under Nigerian law until October 31, 2027, despite reaching the standard retirement age of 60 in September 2024.

The IGP Kayode Egbetokun tenure legal debate centers on Section 18(8) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which grants the IGP a statutory four-year term unless removed for misconduct. Fagbemi clarified that retirement age provisions do not override this explicit constitutional protection.

Constitutional Basis for IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s Legal Tenure
Fagbemi’s statement cites the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and Section 215(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which empower the President to appoint an IGP for a fixed term. The Attorney General stressed that the law prioritizes tenure security over retirement age to ensure stability in policing institutions. “The IGP’s tenure is constitutionally insulated,” Fagbemi asserted, “and any attempt to curtail it prematurely would undermine statutory provisions.”

Public Reaction and Legal Precedents
This clarification follows public scrutiny over Egbetokun’s extended tenure. Legal experts, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana, have previously argued that retirement age applies only to non-statutory roles. For context, Nigeria’s judiciary upheld similar tenure protections for past IGPs in Aremu vs. FRN (2018).

Why This Matters
The IGP Kayode Egbetokun tenure legal affirmation ensures continuity in ongoing reforms, such as community policing initiatives and anti-terrorism efforts. For further reading, explore Nigeria’s Police Act 2020 and the 1999 Constitution.

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