Presidency Reveals Why Egbetokun Resigned as Inspector-General of Police

The Presidency has confirmed that Kayode Egbetokun has resigned as the Inspector-General of Police, citing family matters that demand his full attention.

Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy stated, “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.”

However, several sources within the Presidency revealed that Egbetokun was asked to step down during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening.

“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” a senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated.

Egbetokun arrived at the Villa at roughly the same time as governors attending an interfaith breaking of fast with the President, which initially raised questions about the purpose of his visit.

Another source, however, confirmed that he had been specifically summoned by the President that evening.

“He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit,” the source said. Security personnel also reported that Egbetokun’s vehicle was searched by DSS operatives as he returned to the State House around 8:00 p.m.

Appointed IGP on June 19, 2023, Egbetokun faced criticism over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, including a surge in kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks.

Before his appointment as IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department, succeeding Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in September 2023 after an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Egbetokun’s resignation letter, citing family issues requiring his undivided attention, formalised his departure from office.