The Police Service Commission (PSC) has denied allegations that senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force paid ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
The commission was reacting to a report by SaharaReporters which claimed that some officers allegedly bribed PSC officials to facilitate their promotion from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to ACP.
In a statement issued on Sunday, PSC spokesperson Torty Njoku Kalu said the commission viewed the publication “with grave concern” and rejected the allegations entirely, describing them as false and defamatory.
“The Police Service Commission categorically denies these unfounded allegations in their entirety and describes the report as a reckless attempt to tarnish the image of both the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.
According to the PSC, the promotions were conducted in line with due process and the established guidelines governing the commission’s operations. The commission noted that it is constitutionally responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of police officers, except for the Inspector-General of Police.
The statement further explained that the role of the Inspector-General of Police in the promotion process is limited to recommending officers based on vacancy and performance, while the final approval rests solely with the commission.
The PSC also dismissed references in the report to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, describing them as misleading and intended to give credibility to what it called a “baseless story.”
“To suggest that the Commission operates a ‘pay-to-play’ system is an insult to the integrity of the Board Members who oversee these exercises,” the statement added.
The commission also addressed documents cited in the report, including an internal police wireless message, stating that they merely confirmed the approval of promotions and represented routine administrative communication.
“The documents referenced only confirm that promotions were approved, which is a routine administrative function. They do not substantiate the malicious allegation of financial transactions,” the PSC said.
While urging the public to disregard the report, the commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and merit-based promotions within the police force.
It also warned that it is considering legal action against SaharaReporters over what it described as defamatory claims that could damage the reputation of the commission.