The Presidency has confirmed that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office, citing family matters that require his full attention.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this while responding to enquiries, stating, “The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention.”
However, sources within the Presidential Villa revealed that the development followed a meeting between Egbetokun and President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening in Abuja.
According to a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity, the police chief was asked to step down during the meeting.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” the official said.
Eyewitnesses observed the IGP’s official vehicle arriving at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa around 6.40pm. He was seen alighting from the vehicle in his black uniform and later proceeding inside for the engagement.
Another source confirmed that the visit was not routine but a direct summon by the President.
Security insiders further disclosed that Egbetokun returned to the State House around 8.00pm, where standard security checks were conducted on his convoy.
Egbetokun, who was appointed Inspector General of Police on June 19, 2023, had faced growing public scrutiny over the country’s security challenges, including rising cases of kidnapping, banditry and attacks in several states. Notable incidents in recent months heightened pressure on the police leadership.
During an Iftar with governors on Monday night, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, declaring that “security is the foundation of prosperity,” and promising that the establishment of state police would not be delayed.
Before his appointment as IGP, Egbetokun served as Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department.
He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in 2023 following an extension.
