Kayode Egbetokun, immediate past Inspector-General of Police, has described his removal from office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “God’s timing,” reflecting on his career and faith during a retirement thanksgiving service in Abuja on Saturday.
The ceremony, held at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Chapel, also marked the inauguration of the newly completed Police Chaplaincy edifice and drew senior police officers and worshippers.
Egbetokun, who assumed office in 2023, emphasized that prayer guided his tenure as Nigeria’s police chief.
“My first prayer was for wisdom to run the office, the second for grace to end well, and the third not to stay a day longer than God permits,” he said, adding that he believes God answered these prayers.
He recounted a decades-long career shaped by faith since graduating from the Nigeria Police Academy, noting that he once dreamed of becoming a Deputy Inspector-General rather than the Inspector-General.
“In the dream, I saw myself in a police staff car with the registration number NPF02, so I believed I would become a DIG. God had greater plans,” he said.
Egbetokun stressed that love for the police and commitment to professionalism, integrity, transparency, and fairness guided his conduct throughout his career.
“The decisions I made would affect the image of the force, so I made it my duty to remain professional and uphold integrity,” he said.
The Force Chaplain, Joshua Omoyele, lauded Egbetokun for completing the Police Chaplaincy building and enhancing the Force’s Christian service programs, including the annual Christmas carol initiative.
Omoyele also highlighted Egbetokun’s leadership roles as Commissioner of Police in Kwara State and Assistant Inspector-General in Zone 7, praising his dedication and national contributions.
The ceremony celebrated a career deeply influenced by faith, service, and professionalism, with Egbetokun leaving a lasting legacy in the Nigeria Police Force.