“An IGP Who Is Over 60 Will Enforce Retirement for Officers Over 60” – Odinkalu Criticizes Egbetokun

Human rights activist Chidi Odinkalu has criticized Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for enforcing the retirement of senior police officers above 60 while remaining in office himself at 60 years and four months.

In a statement referencing activist Omoyele Sowore’s earlier remarks, Odinkalu called the situation contradictory. “So here you have it… This is why @YeleSowore called this IGP of @PoliceNG ‘illegal.’ Facts are stubborn. Now the #PSC has retired all officers over 60. That will be enforced by an IGP who is over 60. Folks should care about the institutions they lead,” Odinkalu said.

Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, has continued in office despite a recent decision by the Police Service Commission (PSC) mandating the immediate retirement of officers who have either surpassed the age of 60 or completed 35 years in service. This decision was made during an extraordinary PSC meeting.

Ikechukwu Ani, PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, confirmed the decision, stating that it was based on public service rules requiring retirement at 60 or after 35 years of service. The meeting was chaired by PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd) and attended by Justice Adamu Paul Galumje (rtd), DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, the Commission’s Secretary.

The PSC’s directive has been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation.