Ask IGP To Leave Now, Lawyer Tells Tinubu

Human rights lawyer, Tolu Babaleye, yesterday condemned InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay in office after attaining 60 years and 35 years in service, saying it is “unconstitutional”.

He said Sections 7(6) and 18(8) of the Police Act 2020 and Public Service Rule have been violated with the continued stay of Egbetokun in office. In an open letter to President Israel arrests citizen in Iran’s plot to kill Netanyahu I srael’s police arrested an Israeli citizen allegedly recruited by Iranian intelligence to plot the assassinations of top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a joint statement by the police and Shin Bet said yesterday. “An Israeli citizen was recruited by Iranian intelligence to promote assassinations of Israeli figures.

He was smuggled twice into Iran and received payment for carrying out missions,” the statement said. It said that Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar as well as other top officials were among the targets, reports AFP.

The Israeli citizen, “a businessman who lived in Turkey for an extended period,” maintained connections with Turkish and Iranian individuals who introduced him by phone to an Iranian businessman called Eddie, the police said.

Bola Tinubu, the lawyer told him: “To prevent a constitutional crisis, ensure the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force, and uphold the rule of law” by asking Egbetokun to go. Babaleye said the letter appointing Egbetokun as IGP for four years be withdrawn and a new IGP appointed.

He emphasised the need for the President to prioritise transparency, accountability, and the rule of law in resolving the issue. He said: “The President’s prompt action will reassure Nigerians of his commitment to upholding the Constitution and ensuring the stability of our security institutions.

“The Police Act 2020 stipulates that every police officer shall retire from the service after 35 years of service or upon attaining the age of 60, whichever comes first. “Section 7(6) provides for a four-year tenure for the IGP, but this provision is inconsistent with the retirement age and years of service. This inconsistency must be addressed to prevent future conflicts.”

According to him, Tinubu’s leadership is crucial in resolving the crisis and ensuring the police’s effectiveness. He said: “This issue goes beyond individual interests; it is about upholding the Constitution and protecting the rule of law. We must prioritise the integrity of our institutions and ensure that our leaders act by the law.”