The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that it does not have the authority to appoint or remove the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, amidst speculations about his tenure.
In a statement, the PSC emphasized that the power to appoint or remove the IGP rests solely with the President, in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The commission’s clarification comes as rumors circulated about possible changes in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The PSC urged the public to disregard any misinformation and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting police reforms and ensuring accountability within the force.
“The commission does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police,” PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani said in a statement on Monday.
The clarification follows a directive issued by the PSC on Friday, ordering police officers aged 60 or those who have served for 35 years to proceed on immediate retirement. The decision raised concerns over Egbetokun, who turned 60 last year.
Ani stressed that the directive only applied to officers within the PSC’s jurisdiction and did not affect the IGP, whose appointment is a presidential decision based on the advice of the Police Council.
“The law is clear on this matter,” Ani said. “The Inspector-General of Police is appointed by the President, and his removal follows due process as outlined by the constitution.”
He explained that the IG is a presidential appointee, chosen based on the advice of the Police Council.
“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 noted.
He further emphasised, “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.”
Ani concluded by stating that the PSC has maintained a close and complementary working relationship with the Inspector-General of Police in the overall interest of the Nigeria Police Force.
The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with police leadership while maintaining its constitutional role in overseeing other officers within the force.
