The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed reports suggesting that it issued a directive for the immediate retirement of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Last Friday, the commission ordered police officers who had either reached the age of 60 or served for 35 years to proceed with immediate retirement. The directive sparked debates over the IG’s tenure, as he turned 60 last year.
Despite clarifications from the police and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, concerns over Egbetokun’s status have persisted.
However, in a statement on Monday, PSC’s Head of Media, Ikechukwu Ani, clarified that the IG was not affected by the directive, emphasizing that the commission lacks the authority to determine his appointment or removal.
“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,” Ani said.
He further explained that the PSC is established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and is responsible for appointments, promotions, dismissals, and disciplinary actions within the Nigeria Police Force, excluding 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),” he stated.
Ani reiterated that the Inspector-General is appointed by the President, based on the advice of the Police Council.
“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,” he added.
He also noted that during its extraordinary meeting on January 31, 2025, the commission only addressed the regularization of first appointment dates for Cadet ASPs and Inspector Force Entrants, which had no connection to IG Egbetokun’s tenure.
“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.”
Ani stressed that the PSC is satisfied with its current constitutional powers and has no interest in expanding them beyond what the law permits.
“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,” he concluded.
