“Illegal IGP”: We’ve no authority to retire Egbetokun – Police Commission

Following its recent inquiries regarding the directive for officers who have served over 35 years or reached 60 years of age to retire, per constitutional provisions, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that it does not have the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

According to a statement signed by spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC emphasised that the Commission’s powers do not extend to the IGP, adding that under Nigeria’s constitution, the PSC is responsible for the appointment, promotion, dismissal, and discipline of police officers, except the IGP, who the President appoints with the advice of the Police Council.

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The PSC also clarified that its decision on January 31, 2025, was related to the regularisation of the appointment dates of cadet officers and had no bearing on the IGP. Additionally, the Commission revisited a previous decision from 2017 concerning the cadet appointment dates, concluding that it was inconsistent with public service rules and thus invalidated it.

The PSC reiterated that it operates within the bounds of the powers granted by the Constitution and is committed to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in its constitutional mandate to maintain law and order nationwide.

Source: Vanguard newspaper