March 3, 2026
SUNTV Global has gathered that former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, is still residing at the official Police IG House weeks after his reported removal from office, amid strong indications that he is positioning himself for a senatorial bid in Ogun West Senatorial District.
Multiple senior police sources disclosed to SUNTV Global that the former police chief has not vacated the official residence and is allegedly consulting political allies over a possible run for the Senate in the 2027 general elections.
Egbetokun, a native of Erinja in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, is said to be interested in representing Ogun West at the National Assembly.
Leadership Change at Force Headquarters
On February 24, 2026, President Bola Tinubu reportedly asked Egbetokun to step down from office. He was subsequently replaced by Tunji Disu, who previously led the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
The leadership transition followed months of public scrutiny over Egbetokun’s tenure, particularly debates surrounding the extension of his service beyond the statutory retirement age of 60 or 35 years in service. Critics had questioned the legality and propriety of the extension, describing it as a breach of established police regulations.
Controversies That Defined His Tenure
Egbetokun’s time as IGP was marked by a series of controversies that drew widespread public attention.
Civil society groups and activists repeatedly raised concerns over alleged preferential promotions within the force. Reports spotlighted the rapid advancement of senior officer Bukola Yemisi Kuti, a development critics described as irregular. Allegations circulating in the public domain also suggested a personal relationship between Kuti and the former IGP — claims that further fueled public debate, though no official findings were released to substantiate them.
In addition, media reports alleged that ₦100 million from Anambra State’s security vote was traced to the account of Victor Egbetokun, the former IGP’s son. The allegation generated significant national concern and calls for an independent probe. No formal judicial conclusion on the matter has been made public.
Legal Battles and Press Freedom Debate
During his tenure, Egbetokun initiated legal proceedings against activist Omoyele Sowore and media platform SaharaReporters after being described publicly as an “illegal IGP.” The legal actions resulted in court injunctions restricting further publications concerning him and members of his family.
The development sparked a broader national conversation about press freedom, the limits of criticism against public officials, and the use of legal instruments by state actors.
Observers argued that the numerous court cases signaled a tense relationship between the police leadership and segments of the media during that period.
Political Ambition in Focus
Now out of office, attention has shifted to Egbetokun’s next move. Political analysts note that Ogun West has historically been a competitive senatorial district, and any potential candidacy by the former IGP could reshape local political alignments.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official declaration from Egbetokun regarding his alleged senatorial ambition, nor has there been a formal statement from police authorities concerning his continued stay at the IG residence.
SUNTV Global will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
