The Police Service Commission (PSC) has firmly rejected allegations that senior police officers paid ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), describing the claim as baseless, reckless and a calculated attempt to discredit the Commission.
The allegation, published by the online platform Sahara Reporters, claimed that some officers allegedly paid bribes to influence the recent promotion exercise within the Nigeria Police Force. However, the Commission said the report lacked credible evidence and misrepresented the established procedures governing promotions.
In a statement signed by the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, PSC Headquarters, Abuja, Torty Njoku Kalu, the Commission said it received the publication with “grave concern,” stressing that the allegations were entirely unfounded and malicious.
The Commission insisted that the elevation of officers from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police followed laid-down procedures and the statutory guidelines guiding promotions in the force.
According to the PSC, as the constitutionally mandated body responsible for appointments, promotions and discipline in the police, excluding the office of the Inspector-General of Police, it operates with strict adherence to public service rules, transparency and institutional accountability.
The Commission further clarified that the role of the Inspector-General of Police in the promotion process is limited to forwarding recommendations based on performance, available vacancies and service records.
It emphasised that the ultimate authority to approve or reject promotions lies solely with the Commission as a collective body, dismissing suggestions of a “pay-to-play” promotion system as a grave affront to the integrity of its members.
The PSC also described the reference to a former Inspector-General of Police in the report as mischievous, alleging that it was deliberately inserted to lend false credibility to what it called a fabricated narrative.
Challenging the publication to substantiate its claims, the Commission urged Sahara Reporters to present verifiable proof rather than relying on unnamed sources and speculative assertions.
While urging the public to disregard the report, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based promotions and strict oversight of the police, warning that it is considering legal action against the platform over alleged defamation and reputational damage.