By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Police Service Commission has strongly denied allegations that senior officers paid ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Commission described a report published by Sahara Reporters as unfounded and reckless, accusing the outlet of attempting to damage the reputation of the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.
The report had alleged that several officers paid money to influence their promotion from Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Responding to the claim, the Commission insisted that the promotion process followed due procedure and was conducted in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.
According to the Commission, promotions within the Nigeria Police Force are carried out under established guidelines and are subject to oversight by the Commission as the constitutional body responsible for appointments, promotions, and discipline of police officers, excluding the office of the Inspector General of Police.
The statement further explained that while the Inspector General of Police submits recommendations based on vacancy and performance evaluations, the final authority to approve promotions rests with the Commission itself.
Officials also rejected suggestions that the promotion system operates on a “pay to play” basis, describing such claims as an insult to the integrity of the Commission’s board members.
The Commission challenged Sahara Reporters to provide verifiable evidence to support the allegation of bribery, arguing that the documents referenced in the report merely confirmed the approval of promotions, which it said is a routine administrative process.
“The documents referenced only confirm that promotions were approved, which is a routine administrative function. They do not substantiate any claim of financial transactions,” the statement said.
The Commission urged members of the public to disregard the allegations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and merit-based promotion within the police system.
It also encouraged anyone with credible evidence of misconduct within the promotion process to submit a formal petition directly to the Commission.
The Police Service Commission said it is currently considering legal action against Sahara Reporters over what it described as defamatory claims capable of damaging the institution’s reputation.
The statement was signed by Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
— Newspot Nigeria
