President Bola Tinubu has removed Kayode Egbetokun from office as the Inspector-General of Police.
Presidential aides, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development on Tuesday, disclosing that the President asked Egbetokun to step aside during a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.
“Yes. Egbetokun is gone,” one aide stated, adding that a formal announcement was being finalised and would be made public shortly.
Efforts to get an official reaction from the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered. Similarly, the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, did not respond to inquiries as of press time.
Sources within the police hierarchy hinted that a successor may have been identified, although no official confirmation had been issued. A senior source disclosed that Tunji Disu had been contacted in connection with the position.
Egbetokun was appointed Inspector-General of Police on June 19, 2023. His tenure drew public attention in 2024 after he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 on September 4. However, his stay in office was extended following an amendment to the Police Act.
An official statement from the Presidency is expected to clarify the transition and name a substantive replacement.