The Presidency has confirmed that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from his position, officially attributing his resignation to personal family concerns.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on Tuesday while responding to media inquiries.
He said the former police chief submitted his resignation letter earlier in the day.
“The Inspector-General resigned in a letter today, citing family issues that require his full attention,” Onanuga stated.
However, sources within the Presidential Villa suggested the resignation may have followed a direct meeting with President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening.
According to a senior official familiar with the development, the police boss was summoned to the State House and asked to step aside.
“He was invited to the Villa, and it was during that meeting that he was told to step down,” the source said, requesting anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
Observers reported that the IGP arrived at the Presidential Villa around early evening on Monday, at roughly the same time several governors were arriving for a presidential engagement. His presence initially generated uncertainty about the purpose of the visit.
Another Villa source later clarified that the visit was not routine.
“He was specifically called in. It wasn’t a scheduled or ceremonial visit,” the official explained.
Security personnel also confirmed that the former police chief returned to the State House later that night, where his vehicle underwent standard security checks before entry.
Egbetokun, who assumed office in June 2023, had faced growing criticism in recent months over worsening security challenges across the country, including kidnappings, bandit attacks, and violent incidents in several states.
During a meeting with state governors on Monday, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving national security and advancing plans for state policing.
“Security remains the foundation of national prosperity. Without it, economic growth and public safety cannot be guaranteed,” the President said.
Before becoming Inspector-General, Egbetokun served as a Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department.
