Tenure Extension; Lawyer sues President Tinubu seeks Court order to remove IGP from Office
Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist Maxwell Opara has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the president unlawfully extended the tenure of Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Kayode Egbetokun.
In the suit submitted to the Federal High Court in Abuja, Opara seeks an injunction to prevent Egbetokun from continuing to serve as IGP. Opara contends that Egbetokun should no longer hold the position, as he turned 60 on September 4, 2024, which, according to Opara, legally mandates his retirement.
The controversy over Egbetokun’s tenure has prompted responses from the Force. On Friday, Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi clarified that President Tinubu did not extend Egbetokun’s term. Instead, Adejobi explained that the president merely approved the legal framework governing the tenure.
Opara argues that an appointment that has expired by law cannot be reinstated retroactively through subsequent amendments. A date for the court hearing has yet to be scheduled.
