The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has resigned from office at the request of President Bola Tinubu.

The Presidency, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed Egbetokun’s resignation,  citing family issues which require his undivided attention.

However, a source in the presidency disclosed that Egbetokun was asked to resign at a meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, adding that the IGP is to be replaced by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Tunji Disu.

Egbetokun was appointed by President Tinubu as the 22nd IGP on 19 June 2023. His substantive appointment was confirmed by the Nigeria Police Council on 31 October that year.

Egbetokun, appointed at the age of 58, was due for retirement on September 4, 2024, upon reaching the mandatory age of 60. But his tenure was controversially extended by the President and was therefore expected to complete his four-year tenure and remain in office until 31 October 2027.

Despite complaints by many Nigerians, the presidency explained that Egbetokun remained in office legally, citing the amended Police Act 2024, which allows an appointed IGP to serve a fixed four-year term regardless of their age or years of service.

Egbetokun’s tenure as IGP was marked by several controversies, including human rights abuses.