President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down on Monday citing pressing family considerations.
The resignation, confirmed by the Presidency, followed the submission of a formal letter by Egbetokun earlier in the day. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the former police chief said family issues required his “undivided attention.”
“The IGP resigned in a letter today, citing family issues which require his undivided attention,” Onanuga said in response to enquiries.
However, according to The Punch newspaper, sources in the Presidency indicated that Egbetokun’s exit came after a closed-door meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday evening. A senior official disclosed that the police chief was asked to step aside during the meeting.
“It was in that meeting he was asked to go,” the source stated.
Egbetokun’s official vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser bearing the number plate NPF-01, arrived at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa at about 6:40 p.m. on February 23, 2026. Dressed in a black uniform without his cap, he briefly turned back to retrieve a notepad from an aide before proceeding inside.
His arrival coincided with that of several governors who were at the State House for an interfaith breaking of fast with the President, initially creating uncertainty about the purpose of his visit. Another source clarified that the meeting was not routine.
“He was specifically summoned. It wasn’t a regular visit,” the source said.
Security operatives familiar with the development further disclosed that Egbetokun later returned to the Villa around 8:00 p.m., with his vehicle reportedly searched by operatives of the Department of State Services.
Another report by Sahara Reporters, an online newspaper, referenced a report which has set the social media agog over how the Nigeria Police Force said that ₦100 million transferred from the Anambra State Government’s security vote account into the personal account of Victor Adewale Egbetokun, son of outgoing Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, was done in error and later reversed.
Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin disclosed this on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television. He said the IGP’s son alerted authorities after noticing the funds in his account, prompting an immediate reversal.
“You could remember when he said ₦100m was paid into the account of the son of the IGP. I called the son of the IGP immediately… He said he saw ₦100m in his account, and I told my accounts officer to reverse the money immediately, which he did,” Hundeyin said.
The clarification follows earlier reports by SaharaReporters alleging that ₦100 million was transferred in four tranches of ₦25 million each on September 12, 2025, from the Anambra State security vote account domiciled with Sterling Bank into Victor Egbetokun’s Zenith Bank account. The platform also alleged that the funds were later withdrawn in cash and redeposited into the same account after an initial electronic reversal on September 29.
Sources cited by the publication claimed Victor Egbetokun holds no official position within the Anambra State Government or any security agency, raising concerns about the handling of security funds.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters reported that Kayode Egbetokun has been asked to prepare his handover notes ahead of his exit as IGP.
A source quoted by the publication alleged that Egbetokun was directed to step aside amid alleged mounting scandals and health concerns, including reported kidney-related issues.
In a statement announcing the resignation, President Tinubu expressed profound appreciation for Egbetokun’s decades of distinguished service to the Nigeria Police Force and the nation. He acknowledged the outgoing IGP’s dedication, professionalism and steadfast commitment to strengthening the country’s internal security architecture during his tenure.
Appointed on June 19, 2023, Egbetokun was serving a four-year term scheduled to conclude in June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.
Before his appointment, he served as Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department. He succeeded Usman Alkali Baba, whose tenure ended in September 2023 following an extension granted by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
During Monday’s Iftar with governors, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing state police as part of broader efforts to address insecurity.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace. We will establish state police to curb insecurity,” the President said.
In view of the prevailing security challenges, the President has approved the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police with immediate effect. The President expressed confidence that Disu’s experience, operational depth and demonstrated leadership capacity would provide steady and focused direction for the Nigeria Police Force at a critical time.
In compliance with the Police Act 2020, the President will convene a meeting of the Nigeria Police Council to formally consider Disu’s appointment as substantive Inspector-General of Police, after which his name will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation.
The Presidency reiterated the administration’s commitment to enhancing national security, strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains professional, accountable and fully equipped to discharge its constitutional responsibilities.
