IGP Egbetokun’s Age in ‘Focus’ As PSC Approves Retirement of Senior Officers Over 60
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have exceeded the statutory retirement age of 60 years or served for more than 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force.
The directive, issued after the commission’s first extraordinary meeting of the year held on Friday, January 31, 2025, is expected to affect a significant number of top-ranking officers.
A statement signed by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations for the PSC, read:
“The Police Service Commission rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior Police Officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.”
The meeting was chaired by DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd.), and attended by Justice Adamu Paul Galumje (rtd.), DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd.), and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
“The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation,” the statement added.
The Controversy Surrounding IGP Egbetokun’s Tenure
The PSC’s resolution follows public debate over the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who turned 60 in September 2024—the standard retirement age for public officers.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, who is currently facing prosecution on cybercrime charges filed by the police under Egbetokun, has publicly called for the IGP’s removal. Sowore argues that the IGP should have retired last year based on the same age rule now being enforced by the PSC.
However, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, defended Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, citing amendments made to the Police Act in 2023.
“The appointment of Egbetokun, which took effect from 31st day of October 2023, would have come to an end on his attainment of 60 years of age on 4th day of September 2024,” the AGF explained.
“However, before his retirement age, the Police Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four-year term granted under Section 7(6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years.”
The Law That Extended the IGP’s Tenure
The controversial amendment, passed in July 2023, fast-tracked its way through the National Assembly, shortly after Egbetokun’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, but before his confirmation by the National Police Council in October 2023.
Section 7(6) of the amended Police Act states:
“Any person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.”
Additionally, a new Section 18(8A) was inserted to specifically shield IGPs from the general civil service retirement rule:
“Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (8) of this section, any person appointed to the office of Inspector General of Police shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of Section 7(6) of this Act.”
This amendment, which applies exclusively to the IGP, means that while senior police officers are being forced into retirement for exceeding 60 years, Egbetokun remains in office.
Implications of the PSC’s Decision
The PSC’s move to enforce the general retirement rule raises questions about the unequal application of service regulations within the police force. Critics argue that while the law allows Egbetokun to stay, it was passed under circumstances that fast-tracked its approval in record time.
Sowore and other activists maintain that Egbetokun’s continued tenure is politically motivated, especially as he remains the complainant in the cybercrime charges against Sowore.
With the PSC directing the Inspector General of Police to implement the new retirement order, attention will now turn to how the police hierarchy responds—and whether this marks the beginning of a deeper battle over tenure security in the force.
