The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has disregarded the Police force Service Commission’s directive on senior officers’ retirement.
According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) the PSC ordered officers who have served for over 35 years or reached 60 years of age to retire immediately.
Egbetokun, however, directed the affected officers to remain in the force until further notice.
In a document obtained by Peoples Gazette, he instructed all police-related departments to suspend the PSC directive.
The document, dated February 5, 2025, instructed compliance with his order until further directives are issued.
The PSC had initially permitted officers to use their enlistment date instead of their appointment date for retirement calculations.
However, the commission later reversed this decision, citing inconsistencies with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii).
This rule mandates that public officers retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.
Despite enforcing retirement for other officers, the PSC acknowledged it lacks authority over Egbetokun’s tenure.
Egbetokun’s directive, however, undermines the PSC’s statutory power to regulate appointments, promotions, and dismissals within the force.
His decision has sparked controversy, with legal experts arguing it violates established laws governing the police force.
Many Nigerians believe allowing officers to exceed the retirement limit contradicts existing legal provisions.
Critics say this sets a dangerous precedent for the force’s administration and accountability.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore called Egbetokun’s tenure illegal and was later sued by the police.
The force insists that Egbetokun’s appointment and tenure extension are constitutional.
Egbetokun, born in September 1964, turned 60 in 2024 and joined the force in 1990.
President Bola Tinubu appointed him Inspector General of Police in June 2023.
His continued stay in office has fueled debates over legal compliance in the force.
The dispute between the police force and the PSC raises concerns about governance and due process.
The PSC remains firm on enforcing retirement rules, while the police leadership prefers retaining experienced officers.
Legal experts predict the matter may be settled in court.
If the PSC directive stands, many senior officers will exit the force.
If Egbetokun’s counter-order prevails, it could weaken the PSC’s authority over the force.
For now, police officers remain caught between conflicting directives from the PSC and the IGP.