The Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a stern challenge to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to provide solid proof supporting allegations of corruption in the recent constable recruitment exercise.

Police Service Commission Challenges Nigeria Police Force Over Corruption in Recruitment Exercise

According to Muyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the NPF, the force released a statement on Saturday rejecting the list of recruits submitted by the PSC. Allegedly, the PSC’s recruitment portal was scrutinized, revealing that some individuals listed as successful candidates had not even applied for the position, casting doubt on the integrity of the process.

In response, the Joint Union Congress of the Police Service Commission strongly refuted these claims, calling for the removal of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun amid the controversy.

Egbetokun, on his part, denied any personal animosity towards the PSC, emphasizing that his actions were aimed at ensuring the recruitment of qualified individuals into the force.

In its first official statement since the issue arose, the PSC, represented by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, denounced the allegations by the NPF as an attempt to tarnish its reputation. Ani stressed that the commission followed due process throughout the recruitment exercise and demanded verifiable evidence from the NPF to substantiate their claims.

Ani further highlighted that the Supreme Court ruling of July 11, 2023, clearly bestowed the authority of recruitment solely upon the PSC, without any role assigned to the police force.

Despite assertions from the NPF that their involvement in recruitment aims to improve practices, Ani criticized past police-led recruitments as detrimental to the force’s operational effectiveness.

Expressing concern over what they view as a power struggle, the PSC called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene and uphold the commission’s constitutional mandate in recruitment matters.

In conclusion, Ani emphasized the urgency of allowing successful candidates to commence training promptly, asserting the commission’s commitment to transparency and fairness in the recruitment process.

By addressing these concerns and calling for accountability, the PSC aims to ensure that recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force upholds the highest standards of integrity and legality.

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