The Nigeria Police Force has described as fake news the reported sacking of the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali-Baba.
The force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Monday, has urged Nigerians to disregard the false news circulating on social media.
According to the statement, Mr Alkali remains the IGP and will carry out his responsibilities as such.
“The Nigeria Police wishes to urge the general public to disregard the false news making the rounds on social media alleging the sack of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc(+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, by a Federal High Court in Awka,” Mr Adejobi stated.
“The said judgment is subject to appeal and the alleged news is thus false, unfounded, and perceived to be the handiwork of mischief makers.”
Mr Adejobi stated that Mr Alkali was appointed in a letter-number SGF.20/S.6/83 dated 30th Nov 2021 for a 4-year tenure and his stay in office is within the purview of his appointment.
According to him, it is imperative to note that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, dismissed a suit that sought to compel the IGP to vacate his office on March 1, 2023.
The Federal High Court, in the judgment delivered by Justice J. K. Omotosho, had held that going by the provision of Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020, anyone appointed as the IGP has a statutorily recognized four-year tenure.
Mr Adejobi explained that Mr Omotosho described the IGP’s four-year tenure as sacrosanct, stressing that his retirement as the IGP had nothing to do with age or years of service.
The Police spokesman further said that it is pertinent to state that maintaining the four-year period for individuals appointed as IGP is being institutionalized by the provisions of the law, not on personal grounds to favour an individual, but for the general betterment of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Consequently, members of the public are on this notice advised to ignore the false news making the rounds on social media,” he said.
“IGP Usman Alkali Baba remains the Inspector-General of Police and is duty-bound to execute the responsibilities of the office in accordance with extant laws.”
