Police Service Commission: We Lack Power to Appoint or Remove IGP

The Police Service Commission (PSC) clarifies that it does not have the authority to appoint or remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP), addressing recent misconceptions.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has clarified that it lacks the authority to appoint or dismiss Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, in response to speculations regarding his tenure.

In a statement, the PSC stressed that, according to constitutional provisions, only the President has the authority to appoint or remove the IGP.

The commission’s explanation follows rumors about potential changes in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

The PSC encouraged the public to ignore any false information and reiterated its dedication to promoting police reforms and maintaining accountability within the force.

“The commission lacks the constitutional authority to decide on the appointment or removal of the Inspector-General of Police,” PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani stated in a Monday announcement.

This clarification comes after the PSC issued a directive on Friday, mandating that police officers who are either 60 years old or have served for 35 years must retire immediately. This decision has raised concerns regarding Egbetokun, who reached the age of 60 last year.

Ani emphasized that the directive was solely applicable to officers under the PSC’s jurisdiction and did not pertain to the IGP, whose appointment is determined by presidential decision following advice from the Police Council.

“The law is explicit regarding this issue,” Ani remarked. “The President appoints the Inspector-General of Police, and their removal must adhere to the constitutionally defined due process.”

He stated that the Inspector General is appointed by the president, following recommendations from the Police Council.

Ani noted that at its first extraordinary meeting of the sixth management board on Friday, January 31, 2025, the commission exclusively addressed and decided upon the regularization of appointment dates for CADET ASPs/Inspector Force Entrants. He clarified that this issue is unrelated to either the Inspector-General of Police or his office.

He reiterated, “The commission wants to make it clear that it is satisfied with the extent of its constitutional powers and has no interest in pursuing any additional authorities not supported by law.”

Ani concluded by stating that the PSC has upheld a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Inspector-General of Police for the benefit of the Nigeria Police Force as a whole.

The PSC reiterated its dedication to collaborating closely with police leadership while upholding its constitutional duty of supervising other officers within the force.