The Police Service Commission has denied allegations that senior police officers paid N5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.
A report by Sahara Reporter alleged that officers bribed officials of the Commission to secure promotion from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by its Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu, the commission described the claim as unfounded and a reckless attempt to tarnish the image of the commission and the Nigeria Police Force.
It also said it was considering legal action against Sahara Reporters over alleged defamation and damage to the reputation of the Commission.
The Commission said the promotion of senior officers from CSP to ACP followed due process and established guidelines.
“PSC has noted with grave concern a publication by Sahara Reporters alleging that senior officers paid N5m each to secure promotion to the rank of ACP.
“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 CSP to ACP followed due process and established guidelines of the commission,” the statement read.
It said the reference in the report to the immediate past Inspector General of Police was mischievous and intended to give credibility to what it described as a baseless allegation.
It explained that the role of the Inspector General of Police in the promotion process is limited to forwarding recommendations based on vacancy and performance, while the final approval rests with the commission.
The Commission urged the public to disregard the report, reiterating its commitment to merit-based promotions and effective oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.
