President Bola Tinubu has reportedly removed Kayode Egbetokun as the 22nd Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The source within the Police Service Commission (PSC) disclosed that Egbetokun was directed to begin preparations for a formal handover after a meeting at the Presidential Villa on Monday, February 23, 2026.
He is expected to be replaced by Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector-General of Police recently posted to supervise the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
According to the insider, Egbetokun met with the President at the Presidential Villa, where he was informed of the decision and asked to commence transition arrangements.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Presidency or the Nigeria Police Force confirming the development.
Egbetokun’s tenure was marked by sustained controversy, particularly over the extension of his stay in office beyond the statutory retirement limit of 60 years of age or 35 years in service.
The extension triggered sharp criticism from civil society organisations, constitutional lawyers and public commentators, who argued that it contravened established police service regulations and weakened institutional discipline within the force.
Among the most contentious issues during his leadership was the promotion of Bukola Kuti to Assistant Commissioner of Police. Critics alleged that her perceived closeness to the Inspector General influenced her advancement claims the police authorities firmly denied.
Further controversy erupted after reports alleged that ₦100 million from Anambra State’s security vote was traced to a bank account linked to Victor, Egbetokun’s son. The allegation generated widespread public concern and calls for an independent probe.
Rather than authorising an external investigation, critics accused the police leadership of pursuing legal action against individuals and media organisations that reported the claims. Police authorities maintained that the reports were defamatory and malicious.
The former IGP also faced prolonged legal disputes with activist Omoyele Sowore, following Sowore’s description of him as an “illegal IGP”.
The dispute escalated into multiple court proceedings, including Federal High Court injunctions restricting further publications relating to Egbetokun and members of his family.
Subsequent court orders restrained media organisations from reporting on allegations involving Egbetokun, his son Victor, and Bukola Kuti.
Observers argued that the reliance on legal countermeasures, rather than transparent investigations, reinforced public perception of an embattled police chief defending personal and institutional interests.
If confirmed, his removal marks a significant leadership shift within the Nigeria Police Force amid ongoing debates over accountability, tenure extension and institutional reform.
