An Abuja-based lawyer, Maxwell Okpara, has filed a lawsuit challenging the alleged tenure extension of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, after he reached the mandatory retirement age.
The suit was filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and names Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Police Council, President Bola Tinubu, and the Federal Civil Service Commission as defendants.
Okpara argues that Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, should have retired at 60 according to public service rules.
Despite his appointment as IGP in July 2023, it was rumored that President Tinubu had extended his tenure.
However, police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi denied the claims, stating that the President’s decision followed legal procedures.
In his suit, Okpara contends that the IGP’s continued service violates Section 9 of Chapter 2 of the Public Service Rules, which sets 60 years or 35 years of service as the retirement limits. He is seeking an injunction to stop Egbetokun from acting as IGP.
The case has sparked legal debate on the tenure of public officials, especially in light of recent amendments to the Police Act.
