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Tag: Kayode Egbetokun

  • IG disciplinary panel ends verification, 340 officers, men quit

    IG disciplinary panel ends verification, 340 officers, men quit

    Over 340 officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have proceeded on retirement ahead of the submission of the report of a disciplinary committee that probed their continued stay in office.

    The committee constituted by Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun sat between Monday and Tuesday at the Louis Edet headquarters of the Force in Abuja.

    It was supported by the Force Management in the screening of the personnel.

    The Nation could not ascertain at the weekend if the affected officers or men suddenly opted to quit to avoid being sanctioned.

    They had allegedly refused to proceed with retirement despite clocking 60 years or spending 35 years in service.

    A source close to the committee, who confirmed their exit revealed that an Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in charge of Zone 7, Benneth Igweh,   two Commissioners of Police and a high-ranking police lawyer, were among those summoned by the committee. 

    Igweh has officially handed over to Mohammed Gumel as the new AIG of  Zone 7  headquartered in Abuja.

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     Our source also revealed that some of those affected ‘’converted from rank and file to senior officers and did not go to the police academy.’’

    He said:  “The committee started the screening on Monday and concluded it on Tuesday.

    “Over 340 officers have now proceeded on retirement. You are aware that Benneth Igweh is among them.  He has handed over. 

    “Many of them are senior officers.  Those who are aware that they were supposed to go last year have also gone. I am  not sure if anyone was penalised

    “It was the committee and the force management team that were allowed to be part of those that screened the officers.

    “They are those that were supposed to have retired from 2020  till date. They did not alter their age but most of them converted from rank and file to senior officers and did not go to the police academy.

    “The rule is that if you want to move up as a senior officer, you have to resign as an officer in the rank and file. But most of them did not do that. They were operating on the two levels.

    “There is a retirement age for them as a constable and a retirement age for them as senior officers or commissioned officers.”

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) had at a meeting in Abuja this month ordered the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or are above the age of 60.

    PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, recalled that the commission at its  September 27  and 28,    2017   plenary meeting approved that the NPF entrants should have their date of appointment against the date of their enlistment on their files.

    Ani said: “The commission has passionately revisited its decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision, in its intent and purpose, contradicted the principle of a merger of service in the public service, and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii) which provides for retirement on the attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.

    “Accordingly, the commission at its First t extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held on  Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age.”

    “The commission’s decision was been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.”

    Critics had queried the PSC decision to retire the affected officers while the tenure of IGP Egbetokun was extended by President Bola Tinubu.

    But the Attorney-General of the Federation and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi (SAN)   explained that the President acted within the law.

    Efforts to get the reaction of   Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi were futile.   

  • Senate panel grills police over alleged missing 178,459 firearms

    Senate panel grills police over alleged missing 178,459 firearms

    The Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) on Tuesday quizzed the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of account and budget, Abdul Sulaiman, over alleged missing 178,459 firearms.

    According to the Auditor General of the Federation, Shaakaa Kanyitor Chira, in his 2019 audit report being considered by Senate Committee, the 178,459 firearms, mostly AK-47 rifles, were lost by the Nigeria Police Force commands and formations across the country.

    Out of the number, “88,078 were AK-47 rifles,” according to Chira who was represented by Samuel Godwin.

    The report also said that similarly, as of January 2020, over 3,907 firearms could not be accounted for, according to the arms movement register and return of firearm records reviewed by the office of the AuGF.

    On Tuesday, the committee sat to consider audit queries issued to police by the AGoF.

    The AuGF’s 2019 audit report indicated that the firearms were “lost” and “unaccounted” for, covering the period 2000 to 2020.

    A series of audit queries raised on the same matter over the years were unreplied to and kept recurring in the AuGF’s reports.

    According to the report: “The total number of lost firearms as at December 2018, stood at 179,459 pieces.

    “Out of this number, 88,078 were AK-47 rifles.

    “3,907 assorted rifles and pistols across different police formations could not be accounted for as at January, 2020.”

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    IGP Egbetokun was summoned by the SPAC to appear before it on Tuesday or risk being arrested. 

    He honoured the invitation and appeared before the committee at the National Assembly.

    Egbetokun, after granting the lawmakers due honours and explaining his inability to appear earlier didn’t amount to a deliberate act of disrespect for them, nominated the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in Charge of Budgets, Mr. Abdul Suleiman to represent him.

    Egbetokun was then excused to go and attend to other official matters by the panel.

    The SPAC had eight audit queries against the police, including a case of contract splitting involving the sum of N1.1billion.

    However, the query that generated interest was that on the firearms, mostly AK-47 rifles, said to be unaccounted for across police formations and commands in the country.

    The acting Chairman of the committee, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, while expressing shock over the development, noted that cases of arms freely available in the wrong hands were contributing heavily to the insecurity in the country.

    Nwebonyi said: “This is part of the insecurity we are having in Nigeria today.

    “If this number of firearms is in the hands of enemies, that means we are not safe. Even the police are not safe.

    “Again, these firearms, rifles were procured with taxpayers’ money and Nigerians have a right to know what happened to them. The public should know the whereabouts of these arms.”

    AIG Sulaiman, assisted by other senior police officers, while being grilled by senators, explained that some of the arms were lost in either robbery incidents or that the policemen were killed by criminals and their arms carted away.

    Sulaiman also said although the police painstakingly investigated cases reported by the commands/formations, there were those not reported but the authorities always followed up on them.

    However, when the committee studied the records presented by the police, members realised that only 15 policemen either died or sustained injuries and were recorded as losing their arms in the process, out of the 3,907 unaccounted for.

    Coming under a barrage of sustained questioning by the committee, AIG Sulaiman appealed for more time to enable the police authorities to submit a compressive report on the investigations, findings on the status of the firearms.

    “To me, no firearm is unaccounted for. We will appeal to the committee to give us more time. We will submit a full report”, Sulaiman said.

    In his contribution, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, said what the lawmakers had expected to hear from the police was for them to admit that these arms were indeed lost and penalties had been meted out to the offending policemen, especially those who might have sold them to criminals.

    Oshiomhole said: “The least we expect is for you to tell us that the arms have been traced to officers who were responsible.

    “They must be arrested and paraded just like the police do to ordinary Nigerians. There should be no two sets of laws for different people in Nigeria.

    “The arms were procured to take care of Nigerians. Yet they have been taken away by someone.

    “The police must account for those arms and whoever was in charge, has to be prosecuted according to the law. We will not waive this one.”

    The SPAC, apparently not satisfied with the explanations given by the police, asked the IG’s team to reappear again on Monday.

  • IGP Egbetokun criticises contributory pension scheme, calls for reform

    IGP Egbetokun criticises contributory pension scheme, calls for reform

    …says it leaves police retirees in financial difficulty

    Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has expressed strong reservations about the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), stating that it leaves many retired police officers in financial hardship after years of service.

    Speaking on Tuesday at an interactive session with retired police officers and stakeholders of the Nigeria Police Pensions at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja, Egbetokun described the situation as unacceptable and called for urgent reforms.

    “As a responsible institution, we must seek pathways to reorder the unpalatable experiences of our retirees while ensuring a secure financial future for our serving personnel,” he said.

    The IGP emphasized that the session was a critical platform to evaluate the concerns surrounding the CPS and explore viable solutions to improve the pension system for police officers.

    Egbetokun stressed that over the years the force have witnessed genuine complaints by serving and retired officers regarding the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    He said the concerns raised have been persistent and deeply worrisome. 

    Egbetokun said: “I wish to note that, upon my assumption of office as the Inspector-General of Police, I met strong agitations to exit the Contributory Pension Scheme. In a prompt response to this, I established a committee, headed by DIG DanMallam Mohammed, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Department of Finance and Administration (as he then was), to thoroughly review the pension matters as they affect police personnel and propose actionable recommendations for reforms. 

    “I also embarked on a tour of Police Commands and Formations across the country to personally engage our officers as well as Police retirees in the respective areas. One peculiar observation is that, with the Contributory Pension Scheme, officers retire with meagre benefits and are unable to meet their basic needs after retirement. Also, the process of accessing their entitlements is often frustratingly slow, leaving our gallant officers in distress and pain.

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    “Meanwhile, there are two sides of the coin as regards the Contributory Pension Scheme. While some believe that the current pension regime has failed police personnel, plunging our retirees into abject poverty and suffering, others argue that it remains the most sustainable option available.

    “Clearly, the proponents of the current contributory scheme argue that it provides long-term financial sustainability and eliminates the challenges associated with the old defined benefit system. They point out that pension funds are now managed professionally, reducing the risk of mismanagement and ensuring continued payment of benefits. Let me note that while these arguments are valid, they do not erase the hardships faced by many police retirees.” he noted

    He enjoined them to explore the options before them to let reasons prevail over sentiment and emotions do not override facts. We must engage in thorough discussions, relying on expert insights and empirical data on the subject. 

    “I encourage all stakeholders to speak candidly and present their perspectives with clarity and sincerity. The overarching goal of this meeting is not to dismiss any position but to find the best solution for our officers,” he added.

    Present at the interactive session, was the Chairman Police Service Commission (PSC); DIG Hashimu Argungu, (Rtd), who gave a review of global issues on retirement, pension, remuneration and compensation principles and practices, to serve as a guide in deliberating on the way forward. 

    Others at the event were the Hon. Commissioner 1, Police Service Commission, Hon. Justice Paul Adamu; Deputy Inspectors-General of Police & Members of the Force Management Team, the National President of the Association of Retired Police Officers, AIG Paul Ochonu (Rtd), and other serving Senior Police Officers.

  • Stray bullet: IGP takes over Tomiwa’s treatment

    Stray bullet: IGP takes over Tomiwa’s treatment

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has mandated urgent intervention on the tragic shooting incident on July 24, 2024 at a police checkpoint in Itele, Ota, Ogun State. 

    The incident involved police officers who, during a routine vehicle stop, discharged their firearms when a Lexus vehicle flagged down had attempted to flee, resulting in a stray bullet striking 27-year-old Tomiwa Oni Odofa, an occupant of the vehicle.

    According to a statement on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi: “upon learning of this unfortunate event, the Ogun State Police Command acted swiftly to ensure that Tomiwa received the necessary medical attention and constant check-up until her discharge. 

    “The officers involved in the incident were identified and underwent thorough disciplinary processes to address their actions.

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    “In a demonstration of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP has directed the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo and team, to visit Tomiwa’s family in Ota. 

    “This visit aims to assess her progress in recovery and to provide additional assurances and support to the family during this challenging time.

    “Additionally, the IGP has ordered that immediate psychological evaluation and therapy be provided to Tomiwa as part of her recovery plan. 

    “The Nigeria Police Force is dedicated to ensuring that she receives all necessary support to facilitate her complete healing. The IGP once again extends his heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to Tomiwa and reassures members of the public of the police force’s commitment to uphold justice, community welfare, and ongoing accountability”.

  • ‘PSC never directed IG’s retirement’

    ‘PSC never directed IG’s retirement’

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has said it is beyond its bounds to order the retirement of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.

    The commission said it had been inundated with calls, messages, and reports on the status of the IGP, following its decision that all police officers who have served for 35 years or attained the age of 60 should proceed on immediate retirement in line with the nation’s existing laws.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by PSC’s spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani said the commission wished to state that it does not have “the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police”.

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    The statement explained the remit of its powers in the statement published in extenso hereunder: “The Police Service Commission is one of the Federal Executive bodies established under Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. By virtue of Paragraph 30, Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution and Clause 6 (1) of the Police Service Commission (Establishment) Act, 2001, the commission is charged with the responsibilities of appointment, promotion, dismissal and exercising disciplinary control over persons holding offices in the Nigeria Police Force (except the Inspector General of Police).

    “The law is clear on the mandate of the commission and it does not extend to the Inspector General of Police who is an appointee of Mr. President with the advice of the Police Council.

    “The commission, at its first extraordinary meeting of the sixth management board on Friday, January 31, 2025, only considered and took decision on the regularisation of the date of first appointment of Cadet ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants. This has nothing to do with the Inspector General of Police or his office.

  • Egbetokun not illegal IGP – AGF Fagbemi 

    Egbetokun not illegal IGP – AGF Fagbemi 

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has said that the continuous stay in office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, “is legal and lawful.”

    In a statement late on Thursday by his office, Fagbemi said  the appointment of Egbetokun, which took effect from October 31,  2023 would have ended on his attainment of 60 on September 4, 2024.

    The statement added: “However, before his retirement age, the Police  Act was amended to allow the occupant of the office to remain and complete the original four year term granted under Section 7 (6) of the Act, notwithstanding the fact that he has attained the age of 60 years. 

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    “This has, therefore, statutorily extended the tenure of office of Egbetokun to and including 31st day of October, 2027 in order to complete the four year tenure granted to him.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Egbetokun’s continous stay in office is in line with the provisions of the Police Act amended in 2024 which allow the occupant of the office to enjoy a term of four years effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, 31st day of October 2023.

    “This advisory is necessary for the guidance of the general public.”

  • IGP warns new constables against abuse of public trust

    IGP warns new constables against abuse of public trust

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to newly recruited constables, stressing that any abuse of public trust or unprofessional conduct will lead to severe consequences.

    Speaking at the Passing-Out- Parade held in Bauchi on Thursday where 212 constables from the Bauchi and Gombe zones were graduated, the IGP, represented by Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, CP Auwal Mohammed, pointed out the critical responsibility their uniforms represent and the need for unwavering dedication to professionalism and human rights.

    “The role of a police officer demands empathy and compassion, particularly towards the vulnerable, while maintaining firmness and fairness in all interactions,” he noted.

    The Inspector-General of Police described the ceremony as a milestone in the government’s security reforms urging the constables to remain professional and dedicated to their duties while fostering trust and collaboration with the public.

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    Also speaking, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hamisu Argungu (retired), represented by Ahmed Aliyu, Director of Procurement reiterated the commitment of the commission to ensuring a transparent and merit-driven career progression system for officers in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

     He assured that the commission would closely monitor their activities to ensure adherence to established rules of engagement.

    “The commission will not hesitate to sanction anyone who deviates from the principles of integrity and professionalism. At the same time, we will recognise and reward gallantry and dedication to duty,” he said.

  • IGP and insurance snafu

    IGP and insurance snafu

    Two factors informed the rather unusual and direct intervention of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, in the looming enforcement of Motor Third Party insurance cover for vehicles on Nigerian roads. One, according to him and estimates by insurance experts, only about 30 percent of vehicles plying Nigerian roads are insured. Two, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has itself entered the insurance business by establishing the NPF Insurance Limited, and was recently granted licence, according to a business newspaper. So, when the IGP announced the beginning of enforcement from February 1, it is clear what the motivations are.

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    With the entry into the fray of the police insurance company, the police are clearly out to make money and profits, especially as third party premiums are virtually free money to operators. That the motoring public would conclude that most police enforcements are profit driven, including the illogical annual revalidation of vehicle proof of ownership, is not an exaggeration. The police are clearly underfunded; but to engage in brazen measures that earn the police economic profit in its interactions with the public during law enforcement may indicate that the Ministry of Police Affairs and the National Assembly have abdicated their responsibilities to the public, and have shown a debilitating misconception of the philosophy of law enforcement and national security.

    Like military chiefs under the last administration who instigated the siting of tertiary institutions in their homesteads, the police are setting themselves up for a dangerous enactment of conflict of interest. They have always been accused of extortion during law enforcement, but they have consistently denied the allegations and even punished malfeasant officers who ran afoul of service regulations, now they will lack the legitimacy to argue their innocence. At a time when insecurity has multiplied by leaps and bounds, the police appear determined to be distracted. It remains to find out who will nudge them to retrace their steps and increase and sharpen their professionalism.

  • Police budget presentation saga at NASS needless – IGP

    Police budget presentation saga at NASS needless – IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun yesterday  described the disruption during the Police budget defence at the National Assembly last Thursday as unnecessary and avoidable.

    Egbetokun clarified that the document he presented was earlier shared with all committee members.

    He said two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version.

    Addressing the incident that occurred during the presentation of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) 2025 budget to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the police boss said: “While both contained same figures and facts, the abridged version used simplified language to facilitate understanding.

    “At the start of the session, the committee members unanimously agreed with a motion that the IGP should present the abridged version since they all had access to both documents.

    “However, distinguished Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi (Ebonyi North), who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version while the IGP presented the abridged version.

    “Despite explanations from other committee members about the earlier agreement and the consistency between both versions, the Senator refused to listen and abruptly left the session.”

    The IGP described the incident as: “unnecessary drama that could have been avoided had the senator been receptive to the clarifications provided.”

    Egbetokun reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force did not submit two different 2025 budgetary proposal documents to the joint committees at the National Assembly, contrary to the reports circulating in the news and media outlets.

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    A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Inspector-General has also reiterated the significant challenges the NPF faces with budget allocations.

    “These include inadequate funding, which hampers modernisation and effective service delivery, the restrictive envelope budget system, and delays in fund releases.

    “These challenges continue to impede the Force’s ability to address its expanding and dynamic responsibilities.

    “The IGP called on the public to remain patient and supportive of the Police as the Force remains committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and dedication.”

  • Budget presentation saga at NASS needless – IGP

    Budget presentation saga at NASS needless – IGP

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun on Friday described the disruption during the police budget defence at the National Assembly last Thursday as unnecessary and avoidable.

    Egbetokun clarified that the document he presented was earlier shared with all committee members.

    He said two versions of the budget documents were provided to the committee members: a comprehensive copy and an abridged version.

    Addressing the incident that occurred during the presentation of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) 2025 budget to the Joint Committees on Police Affairs and Police Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, the police boss said: “While both contained same figures and facts, the abridged version used simplified language to facilitate understanding.

    “At the start of the session, the committee members unanimously agreed with a motion that the IGP should present the abridged version since they all had access to both documents.

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    “However, distinguished Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi (Ebonyi North), who arrived late, began referencing the comprehensive version while the IGP presented the abridged version.

    “Despite explanations from other committee members about the earlier agreement and the consistency between both versions, the Senator refused to listen and abruptly left the session.”

    The IGP described the incident as: “unnecessary drama that could have been avoided had the senator been receptive to the clarifications provided.”

    Egbetokun reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force did not submit two different 2025 budgetary proposal documents to the joint committees at the National Assembly, contrary to the reports circulating in the news and media outlets.

    A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “The Inspector-General has also reiterated the significant challenges the NPF faces with budget allocations.

    “These include inadequate funding, which hampers modernization and effective service delivery, the restrictive envelope budget system, and delays in fund releases.

    “These challenges continue to impede the Force’s ability to address its expanding and dynamic responsibilities.

    “The IGP called on the public to remain patient and supportive of the Police as the Force remains committed to delivering exceptional service with professionalism and dedication.”