Reports has it that SaharaReporters has uncovered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the removal of Kayode Egbetokun from his role as Inspector General of Police.
According to the publication, Egbetokun has now been relieved of his duties, with instructions reportedly conveyed to him during a visit to the Presidential Villa. Sources disclosed that he was asked to begin preparing his handover notes ahead of his formal exit from office.
He is expected to be replaced by Tunji Disu, currently serving as Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. Senior officers within the Nigeria Police Force, as well as officials from the Police Service Commission, confirmed the leadership change.
One insider revealed that Egbetokun had already been informed of the decision and was making arrangements to transfer responsibilities to his successor. The source further alleged that dissatisfaction within certain quarters of the police hierarchy had grown over time, citing concerns about leadership style, controversies, and reported health challenges.
Reports also indicated that news of his removal sparked celebrations among some police personnel. Another source claimed that while Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was said to have supported Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, the President ultimately insisted on the change in leadership.
Egbetokun’s tenure as Inspector General was overshadowed by persistent controversy, particularly regarding the extension of his time in office beyond the statutory retirement benchmarks of 60 years of age or 35 years of service. Critics, including civil society organisations, argued that the extension contravened established service rules and raised concerns about preferential treatment and institutional integrity.
Further allegations emerged during his leadership involving claims of rapid promotions granted to Bukola Yemisi Kuti, identified as a Principal Staff Officer in his office. Critics contended that her closeness to the former IGP may have influenced her career progression, fueling accusations of favoritism and nepotism. Additional claims circulated suggesting a personal relationship between the two, intensifying public scrutiny.
SaharaReporters also alleged that ₦100 million from Anambra State’s security vote was traced to the bank account of Victor, identified as Egbetokun’s son. The allegation generated widespread controversy, with critics questioning whether state security funds had been diverted for private benefit. Rather than permitting what critics described as an independent probe, police authorities were said to have initiated legal actions against individuals and media platforms reporting on the matter.
Throughout this period, Egbetokun’s leadership faced sustained legal confrontations with activist Omoyele Sowore and SaharaReporters. The dispute intensified after Sowore publicly described him as an “illegal IGP,” leading to multiple lawsuits. The Federal High Court subsequently issued restraining orders limiting further publications concerning Egbetokun and his family members.
Following continued reporting on alleged financial and administrative improprieties, additional court orders were secured, barring Sowore and SaharaReporters from publishing more claims relating to Egbetokun, his son Victor, and Bukola Kuti.
Observers argued that the succession of legal actions gave the impression of a police leadership preoccupied with litigation rather than openly addressing the allegations through transparent investigation. This perception, critics said, contributed to the narrative of an embattled Inspector-General relying on institutional authority to counter mounting accusations during his time in office.