Ex-IGP Egbetokun Resigns After Three Reasons: State Policing Stance, VIP Directive, IPI Blacklist
Ex-Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun resigned on 24 February 2026 after President Tinubu asked him to step down for three reasons. The presidency confirmed his resignation and appointed Assistant Inspector General Olatunji Disu as acting police boss. Egbetokun, 61, was removed despite serving a four-year term extended by a 2023 Police Act amendment. His resignation followed his opposition to state policing, a policy Tinubu strongly supports. Egbetokun argued Nigeria wasn't ready for state police, fearing abuse of power by governors. Another reason was Tinubu's directive to withdraw police from VIPs, which Egbetokun reportedly resisted. The third factor was his IPI Nigeria blacklist for failing to stop journalist attacks under his watch, with 24 journalists harassed during his tenure. Tinubu decorated Disu as acting IGP after the resignation.