The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) on Monday described as reports the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun was making moves to prolong his tenure as false.
The proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the police said, seeks to extend the years of service for Police officers from 35 to 40 years and the age limit from 60 to 65 years.
NPF clarified that the bill was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before the Assembly’s dissolution.
The police said it was standard legislative practice to review and update laws to align with current national realities.
A statement on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply perturbed by the dissemination of false information across various media platforms, notably the distorted publication by Sahara Reporters.
“The misleading publications allege that IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun personally initiated this bill to prolong his tenure as the 22nd indigenious Inspector General of Police, and has allegedly invested significantly in lobbying lawmakers to facilitate its passage.
“It is regrettable that certain media outlets and their sponsors have chosen to propagate baseless accusations, ignorantly disregarding the fact that any modification to existing legislation is designed to enhance its effectiveness and relevance.
“To understand the true motivations behind this initiative, one need only look at the Inspector-General’s of Police steadfast commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force. His advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the conditions of service for police officers and thereby bolster security nationwide, rather than seeking personal gain. It comes from the place of duty rather than benefit”.
Adejobi explained that it was important to note that the tenure of an Inspector General of Police is already prescribed as four years with the President being the sole authority empowered to remove an IGP before the completion of his tenure.
He urged the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims.
Adejobi said such misinformation not only misleads but also detracts from constructive dialogue and efforts toward meaningful police reform.
