The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed allegations that senior police officers paid N5m each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.
The commission made the clarification on Sunday, March 8, 2026, in a statement issued in Abuja by its Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Kalu.
The reaction followed a report by Sahara Reporters which alleged that some officers bribed officials of the commission to obtain promotion from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police.
However, the PSC described the claim as false and a reckless attempt to damage the reputation of both the commission and the Nigeria Police Force.
The commission also disclosed that it was considering legal action against the online platform over what it described as defamatory allegations.
According to the PSC, the promotion of senior officers from CSP to ACP was carried out in line with established procedures and guidelines.
“PSC has noted with grave concern a publication alleging that senior officers paid N5m each to secure promotion to the rank of ACP,” 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 commission further stated that the promotion process followed due procedure and that the report’s reference to the immediate past Inspector General of Police was misleading and intended to lend credibility to what it called a baseless claim.
It explained that the role of the Inspector General of Police in the promotion process is limited to forwarding recommendations based on vacancies and officers’ performance, while the final approval lies with the Police Service Commission.
The commission urged members of the public to disregard the report, reaffirming its commitment to merit-based promotions and effective oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.
