PSC Dismisses Alleged Monetisation of Police Promotion as Unfounded Falsehood

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has firmly dismissed claims of monetisation in police promotions as an unfounded falsehood, describing the allegations as a reckless attempt to tarnish the reputations of both the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

In a statement, the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs of the Commission, Torty Njoku Kalu, expressed concern over a report by a popular online news outlet alleging that senior officers paid N5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).

The Commission emphasised that police promotions are merit-based, transparent, and conducted in strict accordance with established guidelines.

Kalu challenged the news organisation to provide verifiable evidence to substantiate its claims or face the matter in court.

“The Commission categorically denies these unfounded allegations in their entirety,” Kalu said, “and regards the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and damage the integrity of the Commission.”

Contrary to the publication’s narrative, the promotion of officers from Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to ACP followed due process under the Commission’s statutory framework. As the body responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of police officers—except the Inspector-General of Police—the PSC conducts all activities with the highest levels of transparency, adherence to Public Service Rules, and best practices.

The statement also described references to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police as “mischievous,” noting that the IGP’s role is limited to forwarding recommendations based on performance and vacancies.

Final approval for promotions rests solely with the Commission, and any suggestion of a “pay-to-play” system is an insult to the integrity of the Board members overseeing these exercises.

The PSC further challenged the medium to produce credible evidence rather than rely on unverified “insider sources.”

According to the Commission, documents cited in the report, including internal police wireless messages, merely confirm routine administrative approval of promotions and do not substantiate allegations of financial transactions.

The Commission urged the public to disregard the misleading report, reaffirming its commitment to merit-based promotions and proper oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.

It encouraged any officer or member of the public with credible evidence of misconduct to petition the Commission directly, rather than rely on sensationalist media claims.

Finally, the PSC stated that it is considering legal action against Sahara Reporters for defamation and for damaging the reputation of the Commission.