Allegations of ₦5 Million Payments for ACP Promotions Rock Nigeria Police Under Kayode Egbetokun!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (journalist) | Sele Media Africa
Fresh allegations of corruption within the Nigeria Police Force have triggered renewed scrutiny of the police promotion system after claims surfaced that some officers allegedly paid ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
The allegations, which reportedly involve individuals connected to the Police Service Commission (PSC), suggest the payments were made during the tenure of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Sources familiar with the development claim that the funds were allegedly used to influence promotion decisions for select officers seeking advancement within the force.
Claims of Financial Inducement in Promotion Process
According to insiders within the police hierarchy, several officers aspiring to the ACP rank allegedly contributed ₦5 million each to individuals believed to wield influence over promotion approvals.
The funds were reportedly routed through intermediaries linked to the PSC the statutory body constitutionally mandated to oversee recruitment, discipline, and promotion within the Nigeria Police Force.
These claims have raised concerns about the credibility of the promotion process within the force, where advancement is officially expected to be determined by merit, seniority, professional conduct, performance records, and service examinations.
While the allegations remain unproven, they mirror longstanding concerns about irregularities occasionally reported during senior promotion exercises within the police structure.
Institutional Response and Official Position
Leadership within the Nigeria Police has repeatedly maintained that promotion exercises are conducted according to established institutional procedures.
On several occasions, the office of the Inspector-General of Police has publicly condemned corruption within the promotion process, stressing that bribery or financial inducement for advancement violates police regulations and ethical standards.
Similarly, the Police Service Commission has consistently stated that promotions are determined through a structured evaluation framework that includes service records, professional examinations, disciplinary history, and seniority.
Despite these assurances, the emergence of the latest allegations has intensified calls from civil society organisations and governance advocates for independent oversight and transparent investigations into the promotion system within the Nigeria Police Force.
Broader Debate on Security Sector Accountability
The controversy unfolds amid broader national discussions about transparency and institutional reform within Nigeria’s security sector.
Policy analysts argue that allegations affecting promotion integrity can have far-reaching consequences for morale within the police force and public trust in law-enforcement institutions.
Nigeria’s police service responsible for maintaining internal security across Africa’s most populous nation has faced periodic scrutiny over allegations of corruption, misconduct, and administrative irregularities. Reform advocates say addressing such challenges requires stronger accountability mechanisms, improved oversight, and institutional transparency.
Calls for Independent Investigation
Legal experts and governance specialists are urging the federal government and relevant oversight bodies to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to determine whether any officers or officials were involved in financial inducement linked to ACP promotions.
Observers emphasize that establishing the facts surrounding the allegations will be crucial not only for institutional credibility but also for reinforcing public confidence in Nigeria’s law-enforcement architecture.
As of the time of publication, neither the Police Service Commission nor the Nigeria Police Force had issued an official statement specifically addressing the reported ₦5 million payments allegedly tied to ACP promotions.
Sources: Sahara Reporters, News Agency of Nigeria, Daily Trust, Freedom Online, TheCable
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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