The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that it lacks the constitutional power to appoint or remove the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, amid speculations regarding his tenure.
In a statement on Monday, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani emphasized, “The commission does not have the constitutional powers to determine the appointment or exit of the Inspector-General of Police.”
The clarification follows the PSC’s directive on Friday, ordering police officers aged 60 or those who have served for 35 years to retire immediately—a move that raised concerns about Egbetokun, who turned 60 last year.
Ani explained that the directive applies only to officers under the PSC’s jurisdiction and does not affect the IGP, whose appointment and removal are presidential decisions made with the advice of the Police Council.
“The law is clear on this matter,” Ani said. “The Inspector-General of Police is appointed by the President, and his removal follows due process as outlined by the constitution.”
He further noted that at its first extraordinary meeting of the 6th management board on January 31, 2025, the PSC only discussed the regularization of the first appointment date of CADET ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants, which had no connection to the IGP’s position.
Ani reaffirmed that the PSC is satisfied with its constitutionally assigned powers and has no interest in seeking additional authority beyond what the law permits.
He concluded by highlighting the PSC’s close working relationship with the Inspector-General of Police in ensuring the effective oversight of other officers within the Nigeria Police Force.