Fresh details have emerged surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s directive for former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to step down, with sources citing alleged financial irregularities and internal management disputes as key factors.
Multiple sources told Vanguard that some state police commands reportedly did not receive monthly allocations for administrative, operational and logistical expenses for up to six or seven months during Egbetokun’s tenure. The funds, it was gathered, had been made available by the Presidency to strengthen police operations amid rising kidnappings and violent attacks across parts of the country.
A source said the President became concerned following repeated security breaches in states including Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Zamfara, Kebbi and Adamawa, despite assurances from the former IGP that improved logistics would enhance operational response. “Funds were made available to meet operational requirements, yet attacks persisted. That raised questions,” the source said.
According to insiders, discreet inquiries were later made to state Commissioners of Police to determine operational challenges. It was during this process that alleged non-remittance of allocations came to light. Sources said the discovery that funds had been available at the Force headquarters but were not disbursed angered the President and contributed to his decision.
Another issue said to have strained relations involved the redeployment of Olatunji Disu, who at the time served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Special Protection Force/Unit (SPFU). Disu had overseen implementation of a directive to withdraw police officers from VIP protection. However, following internal disagreements, he was removed from the post and replaced with a senior officer described as a coursemate of Egbetokun.
Sources said the President later directed that Disu be reinstated to the SPFU, but he was subsequently redeployed to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos — a move interpreted in some quarters as defiance of presidential intent.
Allegations of irregular special promotions also reportedly generated discontent within the Force. Some officers were said to have received accelerated promotions without meeting standard requirements, while others with requisite qualifications remained stagnant. The development, sources claimed, dampened morale among personnel.
Following Egbetokun’s resignation — officially attributed by the Presidency to family reasons — Disu was last Tuesday named Acting Inspector-General of Police. Sources, however, maintained that the former IGP was summoned to the Presidential Villa and asked to step aside.
Egbetokun, appointed in June 2023 as the 22nd IGP shortly after President Tinubu assumed office, succeeded Alkali Baba. A Police Council meeting held on March 2, 2026, is expected to confirm Disu as substantive Inspector-General in line with provisions of the Police Act 2020.
Meanwhile, some senior officers reportedly affected by the transition are said to be lobbying relevant authorities as uncertainty lingers within the Force’s top hierarchy.
