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Police reportedly remove force PRO Hundeyin 6 months after serving as Ex-IGP’s apologist

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has removed its Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, barely six months after he assumed the position.

It was learnt that the approval for Hundeyin’s removal was given on Thursday, March 5, 2025.

However, the circumstances surrounding the sudden development remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

The decision comes amid ongoing internal restructuring within the police hierarchy following the emergence of new leadership at the force headquarters.

The shake-up follows the appointment of Tunji Disu as the 23rd Inspector-General of Police by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Disu was named IGP last week after the removal of Kayode Egbetokun, who had led the force since 2023.

A source quoted by The Whistler confirmed the development, saying, “The Force Public Relations Officer has been removed this morning.”

However, uncertainty remains over who will replace Hundeyin as the new spokesperson of the force, particularly as operational activities within the police have intensified in recent days.

During his time as the Force’s PRO, Hundeyin was involved in a series of controversies including claiming that N100million was erroneously transferred from the Anambra State Government’s security vote account to Victor Adewale Egbetokun, son of formerInspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.

 

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TINUBU DECORATES DISU AS ACTING INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Tinubu has decorated Assistant Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu with his new rank as the new acting Inspector General of Police at the State House, Abuja.

The ceremony, which took place at the President’s office moments ago , had in attendance National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and the immediate past IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

His appointment came just 48 days before his scheduled retirement on April 13, 2026, when he would have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years.

However, under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four year tenure regardless of age, Disu may remain for the next couple of years

President Tinubu, who pinned the new insignia on Disu’s uniform commended the outgoing IGP Egbetokun for his service to the nation.

The ceremony comes barely 24 hours after Egbetokun submitted his resignation letter to the President on Tuesday, citing family issues that require his undivided attention.

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Police Must Not Arrest Over Civil Disputes, Contract Breaches – IG Egbetokun warns

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has cautioned officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force against arresting individuals over civil disputes or breaches of contract, stressing that such actions violate the Police Act.

Speaking yesterday at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference in Enugu State, the IG represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Legal Services, Ohiozoba Ehiede reminded the Force that Section 32(2) of the Police Act explicitly restricts arrests to criminal offences.

“A person shall not be arrested merely on a civil wrong or breach of contract,” Egbetokun reiterated, adding that no one should be detained in lieu of another person. “So, you cannot arrest a husband for an offence committed by his wife.”

The IG also addressed the recurring issue of policemen demanding “mobilisation” money before carrying out investigations, insisting that such practice is illegal and alien to the Force. “The issue of mobilisation is unknown to the Nigeria Police. Anyone asked to pay before an investigation should report to the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU),” he said, drawing loud reactions from lawyers present.

The session, themed “Citizens’ Rights and Security Concerns”, also featured the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Ajayi; prominent human rights lawyers Femi Falana (SAN) and Dr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN); as well as Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN), Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission.

Moderated by Babatunde Ogala (SAN), the panel discussed widespread concerns over security, human rights violations, and the need for greater accountability in law enforcement.

Egbetokun urged Nigerians to hold officers accountable by filing complaints whenever their rights are infringed upon, stressing that the Police Force must operate strictly within the provisions of the law.

 

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JUST IN: IGP Egbetokun bans policemen from wearing mufti while carrying rifles

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has banned police officers from carrying assault rifles while dressed in civilian attire (mufti).

During a virtual meeting with strategic police managers today, February 10, 2025, the IGP warned tactical squads against misuse of power and improper dressing.

He reiterated that all operatives must wear their approved uniforms while on duty.

He also issued a stern warning against human rights violations, stating that any officer found guilty will face severe consequences.

Additionally, he prohibited the indiscriminate transfer of cases without his written approval, citing concerns over delayed justice and undue burdens on affected parties.

The IGP urged all officers to uphold professionalism and ensure that their actions do not tarnish the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.

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Over 4000 policemen sue IG over delayed promotion

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

No fewer than 4,449 police officers have taken the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police to the National Industrial Court in Abuja, accusing the force of failing to decorate them with their new ranks after their promotions were approved by the Police Service Commission.

The suit hinges on the alleged refusal of the IG to implement the decision of the 19th plenary of the PSC, which granted their promotions in accordance with the PSC Act.

At the court hearing presided over by Justice R.B. Haastrup, on Tuesday, counsel for the claimants, Muka’ila Mavo, urged the court to compel the Nigeria Police Force and the IG to implement the approved promotions without further delay.

Mavo cited Section 6 (1)(a) of the Police Service Commission Act and Section 16(3)(a) of the Police Act, stating that these laws empower the PSC to handle appointments, promotions, and discipline of police officers, excluding the IG.

“The Supreme Court has also affirmed this position, granting judicial backing to the PSC’s authority over promotions and discipline within the police force,” Mavo argued.

In response, counsel for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Isa Garba, declined to elaborate on the matter, stating that the Force Public Relations Officer would be in a better position to provide details.

Justice Haastrup adjourned the case till December 18 for further hearing.

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Tinubu ‘considering’ Frank Mba, three others as IGP as Egbetokun exits September

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

There are strong indications that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure may not be extended by President Bola Tinubu.

Egbetokun, who was appointed on June 19, last year, is expected to retire on September 4, when he turns 60.

Sources say President Tinubu is already considering four high ranking officers for the police to job.

Top on the list is Frank Mba, a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) and former spokesperson of the force.

Others senior officers being considered, according to the source which craved anonymity include Dasuki Danbappa Galadanchi, Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya and Bala Ciroma.

“Frank Mba is top on the list of those being considered by the president as the next IGP because he is retiring in May 2027. He’s also an experienced and well-rounded officer,” the source said.

“Ciroma, Galadanchi and Yahaya are also being considered because although their time is short, it will give the president time to consider the police amendment bill at the National Assembly,” the source revealed.

Leading reporters reports that there has been a recent wave of criticisms against what many describe as “hasty passage” of the police amendment bill to increase the service age of officer.

“Even if the bill is eventually signed by the president, it will most certainly not apply to IGP Egbetokun because the president is aware that Nigerians are watching,” the source declared.

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