The Nigeria Police Force is once again facing heavy criticism after allegedly sidelining a female officer widely celebrated for her humanitarian contributions.
At the same time, reports indicate that the career of Bukola Kuti, a close associate of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has been fast-tracked. Sources described Kuti as being personally close to the police boss, with some alleging she is his mistress.
Information gathered by Chronicles Reporters revealed that Kuti, who joined the Force barely a decade ago, has already been elevated to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
Similarly, earlier in August, Chronicles Reporters detailed how IGP Egbetokun was accused of promoting another female officer, Yemisi Ademosu, from the position of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) without her sitting for the mandatory promotional examination.
Police insiders who confirmed the development explained that Yemisi, who started her police career as Egbetokun’s orderly, now frequently accompanies him on both official assignments and personal trips across the country.
A senior officer told Chronicles Reporters that Yemisi’s promotion was irregular, stating, “She moved from one star (ASP) to three stars (DSP) without taking any exam.”
The source further disclosed that Yemisi relocated to Abuja soon after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Egbetokun as acting Inspector-General of Police in June 2023, following the retirement of Usman Alkali Baba. Since then, she has allegedly enjoyed direct access to the IGP.
These promotions have triggered debates over transparency and due process in the Force, particularly as many qualified officers continue to face delays or outright denial of promotion despite meeting all requirements.
Meanwhile, within the Force, anger has grown over the neglect of DSP Faith Okwuego, a policewoman admired for her community service and philanthropy. Despite the police leadership publicly claiming to reward “exceptional women in policing,” Okwuego has not been acknowledged.
One officer lamented to Chronicles Reporters, “She’s an officer the Police PRO won’t even recognise. Yet, they claim to celebrate outstanding women. Or is it because she’s not romantically linked to the IGP?”
Okwuego has over the years become a source of hope to countless families. In 2021, she personally covered the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees of 19 struggling students. By 2022, she had settled hospital bills for a nursing mother returning from her daily hustle and even empowered her financially.
In 2024, she extended her humanitarian reach to Ezechima Grammar School in Obior, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, where she donated stationery, paid fees for more students, and pledged continuous support for the underfunded institution.
Yet while her efforts lift communities, the Force has instead been embroiled in controversy surrounding Bukola Kuti, who currently serves as Principal Staff Officer (PSO 3) to IGP Egbetokun.
Earlier this month, Chronicles Reporters exclusively reported that Kuti had been promoted to ACP in just 10 years, leaping ahead of many of her colleagues who still remain at the Superintendent of Police (SP) rank.
Police insiders disclosed that her elevation was part of a special promotion list of 37 officers handpicked by the IGP. The list, sources said, has sparked strong resistance within the Police Service Commission (PSC) and deepened both institutional and ethnic divisions.
Nigerian blogger Tunde Ednut also highlighted the contrast, commending Okwuego for her consistent acts of kindness in an institution often criticised for corruption and brutality.
Ednut remarked, “She is a humanitarian. In 2022, she took a nursing mother returning from work to the hospital, paid her medical bills, and empowered her. In 2021, she paid exam fees for 19 students. This woman is truly a beacon of hope.”
Despite her outstanding record, Okwuego continues to be overlooked, while promotions within the Force appear reserved for those with close personal ties to the IGP.
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