The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have exceeded 35 years in service or have attained the age of 60.
This decision comes amid controversy surrounding the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who recently turned 60. However, both the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, have insisted that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is lawful.
In a statement on Friday, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, announced that the Commission, at its first extraordinary meeting, resolved to enforce the public service retirement rule.
Retirement Directive Based on Public Service Rules
Ani explained that the PSC had previously approved a policy in 2017, which allowed officers to use their date of enlistment rather than their appointment date to calculate retirement. However, after a thorough review, the Commission found this decision to be inconsistent with the Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or at age 60, whichever comes first.
As a result, the Commission, at its extraordinary meeting held on Friday, January 31, 2025, chaired by retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, approved the immediate retirement of all affected officers. Also present at the meeting were Justice Adamu Paul Galumje (rtd.), DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd.), and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani.
The PSC has formally notified the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation of the decision.
Despite the retirement directive, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has defended IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, describing it as legal and in line with the amended Police Act.
Fagbemi clarified that although Egbetokun turned 60 on September 4, 2024, an amendment to the Police Act in 2024 allows the IGP to complete a full four-year tenure, regardless of age or years in service.
He explained that since Egbetokun’s appointment took effect on October 31, 2023, his tenure is statutorily extended until October 31, 2027, as provided under Section 7 (6) of the amended Act.
The AGF assured the public that Egbetokun’s position is protected by law, and there is no violation of the regulations governing police leadership.
