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Senior Lawyer reveals what gives Egbetokun legal ground to continue staying in office as IGP

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome has spoken on the escalating controversy surrounding Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure as Inspector-General of Police (IGP), confirming that recent changes to the Police Act 2020 give him legal grounds to remain in office.

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In a legal opinion, Ozekhome stressed that Egbetokun’s appointment and tenure are solely governed by the Police Act 2020, which means that his continuing employment is valid even though he would turn 60 in September 2024.

In recent weeks, there has been a heated discussion about whether Egbetokun should retire when he turns 60. Egbetokun’s stance is still legitimate, nevertheless, according to Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice.

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Fagbemi clarified that Egbetokun’s appointment, which took effect on October 31, 2023, is secured for a four-year term under the amended Police Act, overriding the usual retirement age of 60.

Fagbemi further noted that the National Assembly’s 2024 amendment to the Police Act allows the IGP to remain in office for four years, irrespective of age.

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This adjustment, he explained, ensures that the IGP’s tenure is no longer bound by the civil service retirement rule, which typically mandates retirement at 60 or after 35 years of service.

Ozekhome, responding to the legal complexities, agreed with Fagbemi’s interpretation, stating that the amended Police Act governs the IGP’s tenure moving forward.

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He added that unless a court rules otherwise, Egbetokun’s position remains legally sound. Furthermore, the Senior Advocate pointed out that the Nigerian Constitution does not specify the duration of an IGP’s tenure, making the provisions of the Police Act the definitive legal framework for Egbetokun’s continued service.

“For the avoidance of doubt, IGP Egbetokun’s continuous stay in office is legal and is in line with the provisions of the constitution and the Police Act as amended in 2024, which allows the occupant of the office (Egbetokun) to enjoy a term of four years certain effective from the date of his appointment as IGP, in this case, the 31st day of October, 2023,” Ozekhome said.

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“This advisory is necessary for the kind guidance of the general public and stakeholders.

“Meanwhile, I believe it would have been much better and contextual if the AGF had put forward this sole ground of the amendment to the Police Act as being enough justification for an extension to the tenure of Kayode Egbetokun as IGP, without more.

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“My take on this debate, therefore, is that the Police Act, 2020 (as amended in 2024) is the only extant law governing Egbetokun’s appointment and tenure of office.

“It remains so until it is successfully challenged and a judicial interpretation upturns it.

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“The entire Act or its provisions, including amendments as enacted by the NASS, remain constitutional, legal, and valid for all time until pronounced otherwise by the courts.

“I have read with calmness and deep research the argument that an extension of IGP’s tenure can only be done through the Constitution.

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“No. Rather, any fault inherent in the Police Act (as amended), if there be any, can only be set aside by a competent court of law.

“It is therefore not correct to argue that any alteration to the IGP’s tenure can only be made through an amendment of the 1999 Constitution.”

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Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

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Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence

Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)

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‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

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‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

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Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.

“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.

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This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.

The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.

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Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.

He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.

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“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.

“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.

Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.

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Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.

“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)

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Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud

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Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud

An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.

The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.

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NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.

Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.

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Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.

The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.

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NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.

Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.

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In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.

He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.

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Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.

He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.

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Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.

Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.

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He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.

A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)

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