PSC Refutes Corruption Allegation In ACP Promotion Exercise

PSC Refutes Corruption Allegation In ACP Promotion Exercise

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has denied a media report alleging that senior officers paid ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)

The commission, which issued the denial in a statement issued on Sunday by its Head, Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Njoku Kalu, said it may go to court to protect its reputation.

“We are considering legal action against Sahara Reporters for defamation and damage to the reputation of the Commission,” the statement added.

“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.

“Contrary to the narrative peddled by the online publication, the promotion of the senior officers from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to ACP followed due process and established guidelines of the Commission.

“The Police Service Commission, as the statutory body responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of police officers (except the Inspector-General of Police), conducts its affairs with the highest level of transparency and adherence to the Public Service Rules and best practices.”

The statement dismissed reference in the report to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police as mischievous and calculated to lend false credence to a baseless story.

“The role of the IGP in the promotion process is to forward recommendations based on vacancy and performance, but the final approval rests solely with the Commission as a body. 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.

“We challenge Sahara Reporters to provide verifiable evidence to support their claim of bribery rather than relying on hearsay from “insider sources.” The documents referenced, including the internal police wireless message, only confirm that promotions were approved – which is a routine administrative function. They do not substantiate the malicious allegation of financial transactions.”

The PSC urged the public to disregard the misleading report, pledging to remain committed to merit-based promotions and oversight of the NPF.

It encourages any officer or member of the public with credible evidence of misconduct to petition the commission directly for redress, “rather than feed sensationalist media narratives”.