Behind Egbetokun’s Exit: Funds, Promotions, and Leadership Disputes

New details have emerged surrounding the departure of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, revealing administrative lapses and disputes that reportedly prompted President Bola Tinubu to request his retirement.

Sources indicate that several state police commands went without monthly operational and administrative allocations for up to seven months during Egbetokun’s tenure. The gaps, occurring amid rising kidnappings and attacks, undermined police effectiveness despite funds being made available by the Presidency.

“Funds intended to strengthen police capacity and officer welfare were not reaching the commands. This contributed to repeated criminal incidents across states including Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Adamawa,” a source said.

Discontent also arose from Egbetokun’s handling of personnel decisions. The removal of AIG Tunji Disu from the Special Protection Force/Unit (SPFU) and his redeployment to Lagos, contrary to the President’s directive, was interpreted as insubordination.

Egbetokun’s tenure reportedly saw irregular use of special promotions. Officers advanced multiple ranks rapidly without required exams or experience, while qualified personnel were overlooked, affecting morale. In one instance, two Inspectors assigned as aides to a state governor were promoted unusually quickly to Deputy Superintendent and Superintendent ranks.

Some senior officers are reportedly lobbying to maintain influence under Acting IGP Disu, while others have vacated offices, awaiting formal directives.

Acting IGP Olatunji Disu, 59, a Lagos Island native, joined the police in 1992. He holds a bachelor’s in English Education from Lagos State University and master’s degrees in Public Administration and Criminology, Security, and Legal Psychology. Disu’s appointment as the 23rd Indigenous IGP is expected to be confirmed at the Police Council meeting on March 2, 2026.

Egbetokun, the 22nd IGP, had been appointed shortly after President Tinubu’s inauguration in June 2023, succeeding Alkali Baba. While the Presidency cited family reasons for his resignation, sources confirm the decision followed concerns over fund management, personnel disputes, and the handling of promotions within the Force.