By DAYO ADESULU
Jubilation at Police Headquarters as Change in Leadership Announced
Abuja, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has officially removed Kayode Egbetokun from his position as Inspector General of Police, ending a tenure marred by controversies and alleged scandals. He will be succeeded by Tunji Disu, the Assistant Inspector General overseeing the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
Sources within the Police Service Commission confirmed the development, revealing that Egbetokun was instructed to prepare handover notes at the Presidential Villa before the official transition.
“Egbetokun’s tenure was plagued by scandals and perceived power excesses,” one insider told SaharaReporters. “The President decided he should step down and focus on his health, particularly his kidney-related issues.”
Police Officers Celebrate Leadership Change
Reports indicate that news of Egbetokun’s removal sparked jubilation among police officers on Monday. A source added that while First Lady Remi Tinubu reportedly advocated for Egbetokun to remain, the President insisted on the change, citing the need to restore discipline and integrity within the force.
Egbetokun’s time as IGP had drawn sharp criticism, particularly for remaining in office beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60 or 35 years of service, which critics argued violated police service rules and institutional protocols.
Allegations of Favoritism and Financial Impropriety
During his tenure, Egbetokun faced scrutiny over the rapid promotions of Bukola Yemisi Kuti, a Principal Staff Officer linked to him personally, which critics described as favoritism and nepotism. Further allegations surfaced regarding ₦100 million traced from Anambra State’s security vote to the account of his son, Victor, raising suspicions of diversion of state security funds for personal gain.
Rather than facilitating independent investigations, sources said, the police leadership reportedly pursued legal actions against journalists and activists reporting the claims, including prominent activist Omoyele Sowore and SaharaReporters itself. Court injunctions temporarily barred further publications on Egbetokun, actions observers interpreted as attempts to suppress press scrutiny.
Legal Battles and Public Perception
Egbetokun’s tenure became emblematic of tensions between accountability and institutional authority. Observers noted that, instead of transparently addressing allegations of misconduct, the leadership appeared focused on using state powers to protect personal and professional interests.
Tunji Disu now assumes leadership of the Nigeria Police Force with a mandate to restore public confidence, discipline, and professionalism within the service. Analysts say his appointment presents an opportunity to reset institutional norms and curb perceptions of favoritism, corruption, and politicization within the force.
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