Mogaji: IGP’s Tenure Firmly Anchored in Law, Not Age Limit

Sunday Ehigiator

The Chief Executive Officer of Western Eagle Ltd, Mr Busayo Mogaji, has clarified that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is firmly backed by statutory provisions and is not automatically terminated by the conventional retirement age of 60.

Mogaji stated this over the weekend while addressing recent public commentary suggesting that the current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, would be required to step down upon attaining the age of 60 in April 2026.

According to him, such claims reflect a misinterpretation of the legal framework governing the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

“In a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, not speculation, agitation or social media interpretation, clarity must prevail over noise,” Mogaji said.

He explained that the legal and statutory framework guiding the leadership of the police clearly provides that the tenure of the Inspector-General of Police is not determined solely by the conventional public service retirement benchmarks of age 60 or 35 years of service.

Citing provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, Mogaji noted that the office of the Inspector-General of Police enjoys a clearly defined four-year tenure aimed at ensuring stability and continuity in the leadership of the police institution.

“The law is clear. The tenure of the Inspector-General of Police is firmly anchored in statute and must be interpreted in accordance with the provisions enacted by the National Assembly and assented to by the President,” he said.

Mogaji further explained that the legislative intent behind the provision was to insulate the leadership of the police from uncertainties that could arise from routine retirement rules applicable to other public officers.

“Public commentary suggesting that the tenure of the Inspector-General automatically terminates upon attainment of the age of 60 does not fully reflect the clear statutory framework established by the Police Act reforms,” he stated.

He added that discussions around governance and public institutions must be guided by accurate interpretations of legal provisions rather than conjecture capable of misleading the public.

“As conversations around policing reforms and institutional strengthening continue, stakeholders, commentators and the general public must rely on verified legal frameworks when shaping public opinion about leadership within the Nigeria Police Force,” Mogaji added.

He stressed that a proper understanding of the law would help maintain stability in police leadership while supporting ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the force and enhancing public confidence.