The Nigeria Police Force has strongly refuted the recent claims made by activist, Omoyele Sowore, who suggested that the tenure of Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is illegal.
In a statement released on January 30, 2025, the police clarified that such claims were entirely baseless and misleading, asserting that they were aimed at undermining the legitimacy of IGP Egbetokun’s appointment.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, underscored that Egbetokun’s appointment is fully legal and conforms to the provisions of the amended Police Act of 2020.
Sowore was arrested and detained on Monday at the Intelligence Response Team detention facility in Abuja for the illegality in office claim, which he stated in December 2024.
He was arraigned on Wednesday.
He was, however, granted bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum, on Thursday.
According to the Force, his appointment was ratified by the Police Council and confirmed by the Presidency, ensuring that his tenure, which runs from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, is both legally binding and duly recognised.
In the statement, the Police Force emphasised, “IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended), which states that ‘The person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.’”
The statement further outlined the amendments to the Police Act that have strengthened the role of the Inspector-General of Police, ensuring stability and continuity in leadership.
This, according to the Police, allows the IGP to implement long-term strategies for national security without fear of sudden termination.
“The amendment aims to provide stability and continuity in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, enabling the IGP to implement long-term plans and policies without fear of abrupt termination,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force firmly rejected Sowore’s allegations as an attempt to sow discord and erode public confidence in the Force’s leadership.
The Police cautioned that such misinformation could endanger national security and undermine the public’s trust in the law enforcement agency.
In concluding the statement, the Force called for a focus on constructive and objective discussions that contribute to national safety and security, warning that the spread of disinformation could severely compromise the collective efforts to ensure peace and order across the country.
The Nigeria Police also urged all citizens to refrain from perpetuating narratives that could mislead the public and jeopardise the security framework of the nation.
“We urge all citizens to focus on objective discussions that advance our shared mission of safeguarding lives and property, rather than indulging in disinformation that may undermine the significant strides we continue to make in maintaining public safety,” said the PPRO.
(PUNCH)