The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has expressed concern over the tenure extension of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said in a statement that the extension could cause division and diminish public confidence in the police force.

He raised an alarm over the amendment to the Police Act that paved the way for Egbetokun’s tenure extension.

The amended Section 18(8) of the Act allows the IGP to remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in the letter of appointment, rather than retiring at the age of 60.

Akintola noted that the police force had made significant strides in improving security in recent times, with hundreds of kidnapping victims rescued and several high-profile crimes solved.

He, however, feared that the tenure extension could undermine this progress and create divisions within the force.

“MURIC’s intervention is significant, given the organization’s focus on promoting and protecting the fundamental human rights of Nigerian Muslims.

While the issue of the I-G’s tenure extension may not be directly related to Muslim rights, it has a bearing on the security and welfare of all Nigerians, including Muslims.

The move has sparked debate, with some arguing that it is necessary to maintain continuity and stability in the police force, while others see it as a violation of the Police Act,” he said.

The IGP’s tenure extension has sparked concerns with many reacting to the announcement.

Some activists, including Omoyele Sowore and human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi have described the IGP as illegal.