Police Officially Retires Former IGP Kayode Egbetokun

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Thursday officially retired former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, bringing his long and distinguished career in the force to a close. The retirement ceremony, held in Abuja, was attended by senior police officials and family members, including his wife, Elizabeth Egbetokun. Reflecting on his tenure, Egbetokun described serving as IGP as one of the highest privileges of his life. He highlighted key accomplishments, including expanding the police’s operational capabilities, strengthening investigative units, and modernising the cybercrime division. Appointed IGP in 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Egbetokun succeeded Usman Baba, who served under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. From the start of his appointment, he committed to tackling criminal activities across Nigeria. Born in September 1964 in Egbado South Local Government Area of Ogun State, Egbetokun joined the police on March 3, 1990, as a cadet Assistant Superintendent. His final years in office attracted attention because he remained in the role beyond the statutory retirement age of 60 and 35 years of service, as stipulated under Section 18(8) of the Police Act 2020. The NPF explained that he was completing the four-year term specified in his appointment letter.

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Lawyer Maxwell Opara Withdraws Suit Against Former IGP Kayode Egbetokun Following Resignation

Human rights lawyer Maxwell Opara, based in Abuja, has withdrawn his legal challenge against the tenure extension of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun after the police chief resigned. Opara informed Justice Umar Mohammed of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday that the matter had become academic with Egbetokun’s departure from office. The suit, originally filed on September 10, 2024, named Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Police Council, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Federal Civil Service Commission as respondents. In the originating summons, Opara had requested that the court declare that Egbetokun had either reached the compulsory retirement age of 60 under the Public Service Rules or completed 35 years of pensionable service. He also sought a ruling that an appointment terminated by law cannot be revived through later amendments, and that only serving police officers are eligible to hold the position of Inspector-General of Police. He had further asked the court to prevent Egbetokun from continuing to act as Inspector-General. When the case was called, Opara told the court he was withdrawing the suit, noting that the resignation rendered the issues raised in the suit moot.

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PSC approves retirement of Senior Police Officers above 60 years

The Police Service Commission has approved the immediate retirement of Senior Police Officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age. The Commission at its 24th plenary meeting of 27th and 28th September 2017 had approved that the Force entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment. The Commission has passionately revisted their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of merger of service in the Public service and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 ( i & ii) which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age. Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extra ordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age. The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, rtd, mni, presided over the extraordinary Meeting and had Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission in attendance. The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.

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Police arrest Catholic Priest, others over Abuja stampede

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested the parish priest and several officials of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja, following a tragic stampede that resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals, including children. The incident occurred during a grocery distribution event aimed at assisting the needy on December 23, 2024, when a large crowd surged towards the church’s gates, leading to chaos and fatalities. Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the arrests, stating that the action was necessary to investigate the circumstances surrounding the stampede. She emphasized that organizing such a large event without notifying the police is a serious oversight, especially given the tragic loss of life. After initial questioning, the arrested individuals were allowed to return home as the investigation continues. Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of the Abuja Diocese criticized the arrests, describing them as counterproductive and lacking compassion. In a Christmas message, he urged the government to support the church and the victims’ families instead of pursuing legal action against church officials. He expressed concern over the government’s response, suggesting that it should focus on improving safety measures for future events rather than threatening prosecution. The stampede in Abuja is part of a larger pattern of similar incidents, with over 60 lives lost across three separate events in Abuja, Anambra, and Oyo states. President Bola Tinubu has also commented on the situation, attributing the tragedies to poor planning by the event organisers. Witnesses reported that the stampede began around 4 a.m. as thousands gathered for the distribution, with many refusing to queue, leading to a dangerous crush at the entrance. The police have since issued new guidelines for organizing large gatherings to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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Police arrest 30,313, recover 1,984 firearms, 23,250 ammuntion

The Inspector-General of Nigerian Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has revealed the arrests of 30,313 suspected criminals in the out-going year. Egbetokun made this revelation on Tuesday during a strategic meeting held on Tuesday, with senior police officers of the Nigeria Police Force. The meeting, which took place at the Goodluck Ebele Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters Abuja, served as a platform for reviewing the achievements of the Force in the year 2024 while outlining strategic plans for innovation and adaptability as the Force prepares for the challenges of the coming year. In his remarks, the IGP acknowledged the hard work and dedication displayed by police officers throughout the year, particularly the significant accomplishments in crime reduction and community engagement, noting the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering trust between the police and the public. In the year under review, the Nigeria Police Force recorded major successes in tackling crime, leading to the arrest of 30,313 suspects for various heinous offences, the recovery of 1,984 assorted firearms, 23,250 rounds of ammunition of varying calibres, and the rescue of 1,581 kidnapped victims. The IGP emphasized that the Force will prioritize innovation in technology and operational strategies in 2025, learning from experiences and adapting as we move on. The IGP also encouraged senior officers to embrace modern tools and progressive practices that enhance the Force’s effectiveness in crime prevention and investigation. As the nation approaches the festive season, the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, is poised to implement the necessary measures to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all citizens. The IGP reiterates the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the public, ensuring safety, and fostering a culture of accountability.

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