Amid growing calls for the resignation of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that it lacks the constitutional authority to appoint or remove the IGP.


In a statement issued on Monday, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC's Head of Press and Public Relations, addressed concerns and speculations surrounding Egbetokun’s tenure, particularly in light of the commission’s recent directive on police retirements.

Ani emphasized that while the PSC has the power to appoint, promote, and discipline officers within the Nigeria Police Force, its mandate does not extend to the IGP.

“The Commission wishes to clarify that it does not have constitutional powers to determine the appointment or removal of the Inspector-General of Police,” the statement read.

Citing Section 153(m) of the 1999 Constitution, Ani explained that the IGP is appointed solely by the President, with advice from the Police Council.

The commission’s recent decisions, including those made at its 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board, were focused on regularizing the appointment dates for Cadet ASPs and Inspector Force Entrants, not the IGP’s tenure.

“The decision was a correction of past inconsistencies regarding service years, ensuring alignment with Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age,” Ani clarified.

The PSC urged the public to disregard false reports linking its recent directives to Egbetokun’s removal, reaffirming that such decisions lie solely within the President’s authority.