Why Egbetokun Resigns as IGP – Presidency Reveals Meeting Details

• The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, who cited family reasons, as sources reveal he was asked to step down after a meeting with President Tinubu.

The Presidency has confirmed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as the Inspector-General of Police, stating that he stepped down due to family matters requiring his full attention.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in response to an inquiry, noting that the former police chief submitted a resignation letter on the same day.

“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Onanuga said.

However, multiple sources within the Presidency revealed that Egbetokun’s resignation followed a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday evening, where he was reportedly asked to step down.

“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” a senior official disclosed anonymously.

Eyewitness observations indicated that Egbetokun arrived at the Presidential Villa around 6:40 pm in his official vehicle. Dressed in his black uniform without a cap, he briefly interacted with an aide before proceeding inside.

His arrival coincided with that of several governors attending an interfaith Iftar with the President, initially creating uncertainty about the purpose of his visit. However, sources later confirmed he had been specifically summoned.

“He was called in. It wasn’t a routine visit,” another source stated.

Security sources also disclosed that Egbetokun returned to the State House later that evening, around 8:00 pm, when his vehicle underwent routine security checks by operatives.

Egbetokun, who was appointed IGP in June 2023, faced increasing criticism over worsening insecurity across the country, including rising cases of kidnappings, banditry, and terrorist attacks.

Recent incidents cited by observers include the abduction of nearly 300 schoolchildren in Niger State, killings in parts of Kwara State, and persistent kidnappings along major highways.

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During the Iftar meeting with governors, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, including plans to establish state police.

“Without security, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace. We will establish state police to curb insecurity,” the President said.

Before his appointment, Egbetokun served as a Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department. He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in 2023