The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed 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), describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC said the report published by an online media outlet was a reckless attempt to tarnish the image of the commission and the police institution.
According to the commission, the promotion of officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police followed established procedures and guidelines.
The PSC explained that it is the statutory body responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of police officers in Nigeria, with the exception of the Inspector-General of Police.
It noted that all its activities are carried out with transparency and strict adherence to the Public Service Rules and relevant legal frameworks guiding the operations of the commission.
The statement also faulted references made in the report to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, saying such references were misleading and aimed at lending credibility to an unsubstantiated allegation.
According to the PSC, while the Inspector-General of Police may recommend officers for promotion based on available vacancies and performance assessments, the final approval for such promotions rests solely with the commission.
The commission strongly rejected claims suggesting that its promotion processes operate under a “pay-to-play” arrangement.
“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 said.
The PSC challenged the online platform that published the report to provide verifiable evidence to support its allegations rather than relying on anonymous sources.
It also clarified that documents referenced in the report, including an internal police wireless message, merely confirmed that the promotions were part of routine administrative procedures and did not support claims of bribery.
The commission urged members of the public to disregard the report, reiterating its commitment to merit-based promotions and effective oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.
It further encouraged any police officer or member of the public with credible evidence of misconduct to submit a formal petition to the commission.
The PSC added that it is considering legal action against the online platform over what it described as defamatory allegations capable of damaging the reputation of the commission.
