By Our Correspondent

The Police Service Commission has dismissed allegations that senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force paid N5m each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.

The commission described the claim as false and damaging, insisting that all promotions were carried out through due process and established guidelines.

Reports circulating online had alleged that officers paid bribes to officials of the commission in order to move from the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police.

However, the commission strongly denied the accusation, stating that the promotion process remains transparent and strictly merit-based.

In a statement issued in Abuja by the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs of the commission, Torty Kalu, the agency said the report was a reckless attempt to tarnish the reputation of both the commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the statement, the commission noted the report with serious concern and rejected the allegations in their entirety.

It emphasised that promotions within the police are guided by clear rules, performance evaluations, and available vacancies, rather than financial inducements.

The commission also expressed displeasure over the reference to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police in the report, describing it as misleading and intended to give credibility to what it called a baseless claim.

Explaining the process, the commission said the Inspector-General of Police only forwards recommendations of officers eligible for promotion based on their performance and the availability of positions.

The final approval of such promotions, it stressed, lies solely with the Police Service Commission.

Furthermore, the commission warned that it may take legal action against the publishers of the report for alleged defamation and reputational damage.

Officials said the allegations could undermine public confidence in the promotion system and the integrity of the commission.

The commission therefore urged members of the public to disregard the report, reaffirming its commitment to transparency, merit-based promotion, and effective oversight of the Nigeria Police Force.

It added that maintaining professionalism and integrity within the police hierarchy remains a priority, assuring that promotions will continue to follow established procedures without compromise.