PSC denies N5m police promotion bribery claim

The Police Service Commission has dismissed allegations that senior police officers paid N5m each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

An online report by Sahara Reporters had claimed that officers bribed officials of the commission to move from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Reacting in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the commission described the allegation as unfounded and a reckless attempt to damage the reputation of both the commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

The statement, signed by the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, also disclosed that the commission was considering legal action against the online platform over alleged defamation.

“PSC has noted with grave concern a publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that senior officers paid N5m each to secure promotion to the rank of ACP,” the statement said.

“The 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 commission maintained that the promotion of senior officers from Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police followed established procedures and guidelines.

It added that the reference made in the report to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police was misleading and intended to lend credibility to what it described as baseless claims.

According to the commission, the role of the Inspector-General of Police in the promotion process is limited to forwarding recommendations based on vacancy and performance, while the final approval rests with the Police Service Commission.

The commission therefore urged members of the public to disregard the report, reiterating its commitment to merit-based promotions and effective oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.