THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has strongly denied 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 damaging.
The commission also warned that it may pursue legal action against the online news platform Sahara Reporters over what it described as defamatory claims capable of tarnishing the image of the commission and the police institution.
The allegations had surfaced in a report published by the media outlet, which claimed that some officers paid bribes to officials of the commission in order to move from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to Assistant Commissioner of Police.
However, the PSC dismissed the claims in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja by its Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu.
According to the commission, the report was unfounded and constituted a reckless attempt to discredit the integrity of both the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force.
“The commission has noted with grave concern a publication alleging that senior officers paid ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police,” 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 PSC maintained that the promotions in question were carried out strictly in accordance with established procedures and guidelines governing career progression within the police force.
The commission explained that promotions from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police follow a structured and transparent process guided by established criteria.
It said factors such as professional performance, available vacancies and recommendations from relevant authorities are carefully considered before promotions are approved.
According to the PSC, the Inspector General of Police only plays a limited role in the process.
The commission noted that the IGP merely forwards recommendations based on operational needs, vacancy positions and performance assessments of officers.
However, the PSC emphasized that the final decision regarding promotions rests solely with the commission as the statutory body responsible for overseeing personnel matters within the Nigeria Police Force.
The commission also criticized what it described as a mischievous attempt in the report to link the allegations to the immediate past Inspector General of Police.
It argued that such references were intended to give credibility to claims that it described as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
According to the PSC, dragging the name of the former police chief into the matter was part of an attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary controversy around the promotion process.
In response to the publication, the commission said it is considering legal action against Sahara Reporters over what it termed reputational damage and defamation.
It warned that false and sensational reports could undermine public trust in key institutions responsible for maintaining law and order.
The PSC also stressed that it remains committed to transparency, accountability and merit-based promotion within the Nigeria Police Force.
The commission urged members of the public to disregard the allegations, assuring Nigerians that the promotion of senior officers within the force follows established rules and institutional oversight mechanisms.
It reiterated that it would continue to uphold integrity and professionalism in its oversight role over the Nigeria Police Force.
The PSC further stated that it remains focused on ensuring that promotions within the police hierarchy are based strictly on merit, competence and service record rather than financial inducements or external influence.