Police Service Commission Rejects Claims of N5m Corruption in Assistant Commissioner of Police Promotion Process

The Police Service Commission has vehemently denied allegations that senior police officers were required to pay ₦5 million each to secure a promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, labeling the claim as entirely false and misleading.

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According to a statement released by the commission's spokesman, Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the report published by an online medium was a deliberate attempt to discredit the commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

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The PSC emphasized that the promotion of officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police adhered to established procedures and guidelines, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

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The commission, which oversees the appointment, promotion, and discipline of police officers, except for the Inspector-General of Police, asserted that its activities are guided by strict adherence to the Public Service Rules and transparency.

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The PSC also disputed references to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, describing them as misleading and intended to lend credibility to an unsubstantiated claim.

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The commission clarified that while the Inspector-General of Police may forward recommendations for promotion based on available vacancies and officers' performance, the final approval rests with the PSC.

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The suggestion that the commission operates a 'pay-to-play' system was deemed an insult to the integrity of the board members who oversee these exercises, according to the statement.

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The PSC challenged the online platform that published the allegation to provide verifiable evidence to support its claims, rather than relying on anonymous sources.

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Documents referenced in the report, including an internal police wireless message, were found to confirm that promotions were approved as part of routine administrative procedures, but did not substantiate any claim of bribery.

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The commission urged the public to disregard the report, reiterating its commitment to merit-based promotions and effective oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.

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The PSC also encouraged any officer or member of the public with credible evidence of misconduct to formally petition the commission, promoting transparency and accountability.

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The commission is considering legal action against the online medium over what it described as defamatory claims capable of damaging the reputation of the PSC.