The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed allegations that senior police officers paid N5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), describing the claim as false and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Torty Kalu, Commission’s spokesperson, reacted to an online report which alleged that some officers bribed officials of the Commission to influence the recently concluded promotion exercise from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to ACP.
The statement said the allegations were unfounded and not supported by any credible evidence, stressing that the promotion process followed due procedures and complied with the established guidelines of the Commission.
According to statement, the PSC, as the statutory body responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, except the Inspector-General of Police, conducts its activities strictly in line with the Public Service Rules and globally accepted best practices.
“The promotion of officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police was conducted in accordance with the laid-down procedures of the Commission,” the statement said.
The Commission also faulted the report’s reference to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, describing it as “mischievous” and an attempt to lend credibility to what it termed a baseless allegation.
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It explained that although the Inspector-General of Police might forward recommendations for promotions based on available vacancies, officers’ performance and other operational considerations, the final approval for promotions rests solely with the Police Service Commission.
The PSC further challenged the online media platform behind the report to produce verifiable evidence to support its bribery claims rather than relying on what it described as unsubstantiated insider accounts.
It also clarified that the internal police wireless message referenced in the report merely confirmed that the promotions had been approved, explaining that such communications are standard administrative procedures used to convey official decisions within the Force.
It said the wireless message should not be misconstrued as evidence of financial inducement or irregularities in the promotion process.
The Commission therefore urged members of the public to disregard the report, maintaining that its processes remain transparent and anchored on merit.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible oversight of the Nigeria Police Force, the PSC said it would continue to ensure that promotions within the Force are based on merit, professionalism and established regulations.
The Commission added that it was considering legal action against the media outlet responsible for the report, noting that the allegations were defamatory and capable of damaging its institutional reputation.
