PSC refutes allegations of corruption in ACP promotion exercise

The Police Service Commission (PSC) on Sunday dismissed allegations that senior police officers paid N5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), recently carried out by the Commission, describing it as false and an attempt to damage its reputation and the Force.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Spokesperson of the Commission, Mr Torty Njoku Kalu, while reacting to an online report alleging that some officers bribed officials for the ACP promotion exercise.

The statement noted that the Commission, as the statutory body responsible for the appointment, promotion and discipline of police officers, except the Inspector-General of Police, conducts its activities in line with the Public Service Rules and established best practices.

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The Commission said that the promotion of officers from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) to ACP followed due process and complied with established guidelines of the Commission.

According to the PSC, the report’s reference to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police (IGP) was “mischievous” and intended to give credibility to what it described as a baseless claim.

It explained that while the Inspector-General of Police may forward recommendations based on vacancies and performance, the final approval of promotions rests solely with the Commission.

The PSC therefore challenged the online media to present verifiable evidence to support its bribery allegations rather than relying on what it described as unsubstantiated insider claims.

The Commission added that the internal police wireless message referenced in the report merely confirmed that promotions had been approved, noting that such communication was a routine administrative procedure and not evidence of financial transactions.

It urged members of the public to disregard the report and reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based promotions and effective oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission also said it was considering legal action against the media outfit over what it described as defamatory claims capable of damaging its reputation.