IGP Egbetokun Threatens Sowore And Other Activists, Over Criticism of His Tenure Extension
Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has threatened human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and other critics of his tenure extension, labeling them “enemies of Nigeria.”
This development comes amid a controversy surrounding the Nigerian National Assembly’s amendment to the Police Act, allowing the IGP to serve a fixed four-year term regardless of age or years of service.
The amendment enabled Egbetokun, appointed in October 2023, to remain in office until 2027 despite reaching the mandatory retirement age of 60 in September 2024.
Critics argue that the amendment was politically motivated and could erode public trust in the police force.
Egbetokun warned his critics not to be distracted by “false narratives” peddled by enemies of Nigeria, stating, “Those who profit from instability and crisis would not relent in their efforts to instigate chaos. But I assure you, their cup will be full one day.”
Sowore fired back, asserting that the police chief fails to grasp the true power of the people against systemic impunity. He described Egbetokun’s tenure extension as an “unlawful tenure extension aimed at 2027 election rigging plot” and warned that impunity would consume him.
The police filed 17 counts of cybercrime charges against Sowore, accusing him of making false statements intended to incite public disorder. Sowore was detained, arraigned, and later granted bail set at ₦10 million.
The controversy surrounding Egbetokun’s tenure extension has sparked debates about police integrity, governance, and public trust in Nigeria.
While the Attorney General of the Federation justifies Egbetokun’s position citing the Police Amendment Act, activists and legal experts argue that the extension is unconstitutional.
