Maxwell Okpara, an Abuja-based lawyer, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government in an Abuja High Court, contesting the alleged extension of tenure for Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/342/2024 and dated September 9, names Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Police Council, President Bola Tinubu, and the Federal Civil Service Commission as defendants.
Egbetokun, born on September 4, 1964, reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 this year according to public service regulations.
He was appointed IGP in July 2023. Before his 60th birthday, there were speculations about President Tinubu extending his tenure.
However, Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi clarified that the President’s action was not a tenure extension but a lawful application of the existing regulations governing the IGP’s office.
In his lawsuit, supported by an 18-paragraph affidavit filed by Pastor Nnenna Opara, Okpara argues that Egbetokun’s continued tenure after reaching 60 years old is illegal under public service rules.
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Okpara asserts that, according to Section 9 of Chapter 2 of the Public Service Rules 2023, Egbetokun should retire upon reaching 60 or completing 35 years of service, whichever comes first.
Okpara is requesting the court to issue an injunction prohibiting Egbetokun from continuing to act as IGP or presenting himself as such, arguing that his tenure extension, if granted, violates public service regulations.
