Former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has said he believes God allowed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove him from office at the appropriate time.

Egbetokun made the remark during a retirement thanksgiving service held in his honour at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Chapel, where he reflected on his journey in the Nigeria Police Force and the circumstances surrounding his exit as the nation’s police chief.

According to the former Inspector-General, three key prayers guided him when he assumed office in 2023. He said he asked God for wisdom to lead effectively, the grace to finish well, and the discipline not to remain in office beyond the time permitted by God.

He explained that he did not initially expect to be appointed Inspector-General of Police, revealing that the first thing he did after entering his office alone was to pray.

“I prayed for wisdom to lead, grace to finish well and that I would not stay in office beyond the time God permits,” he said, noting that he believes those prayers were eventually answered.

Reflecting on his career, Egbetokun said faith had played a major role in his journey since graduating from the Nigeria Police Academy.

He also revealed that before joining the police, he once dreamt that he would become a Deputy Inspector-General rather than the nation’s police chief, adding that the experience taught him that God sometimes hides greater plans from people.

Egbetokun, who was asked to step down by President Tinubu, said his passion for policing guided his actions throughout his career. He added that he always tried to uphold professionalism, integrity, transparency and fairness, stressing that the conduct of senior officers reflects on the image of the entire police force.