The Police Service Commission (PSC) has challenged Sahara Reporters to provide verifiable evidence to support its report alleging that senior police officers paid ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
In a statement issued by the Commission’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Njoku Kalu, the PSC described the allegation as unfounded and a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of both the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the Commission, the documents referenced in the report, including an internal police wireless message, only confirm that promotions were approved — a routine administrative procedure — and do not provide any evidence of financial transactions or bribery.
The PSC stated that the promotion of officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) followed due process and adhered strictly to established guidelines.
“The Police Service Commission, as the statutory body responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of police officers, conducts its affairs with the highest level of transparency and strict compliance with the Public Service Rules and best practices,” the statement said.
The Commission also dismissed references made in the report to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, noting that the role of the Inspector-General is limited to forwarding recommendations based on vacancies and performance, while the final approval of promotions rests with the Commission.
It added that suggestions of a “pay-to-play” promotion system are misleading and undermine the integrity of the Commission’s board members who oversee such exercises.
The PSC urged members of the public to disregard the report and reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based promotions within the police.
It further encouraged any officer or member of the public with credible evidence of misconduct to formally petition the Commission rather than rely on unverified media claims.
The Commission also disclosed that it is considering legal action against Sahara Reporters over alleged defamation and damage to its reputation.
