The Police Service Commission has declared that it did not order the immediate retirement of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
This comes after a directive on January 31, 2025, which mandated police officers aged 60 or older, or those who had served for over 35 years, to retire.
While some confusion arose as Egbetokun turned 60 last year, the PSC clarified that its directive does not apply to the IG, as he is a presidential appointee and not under the commission’s authority.
The commission also noted that its powers do not extend to the IG’s appointment or tenure.
Egbetokun’s position as IG remains unchanged.
Ani 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).
“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.”
