Fresh corruption allegations have surfaced within the Nigerian Police Force after claims that several senior officers allegedly paid about ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police during the tenure of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the allegations are linked to documents reportedly obtained from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
An internal police wireless message dated February 23, 2026, allegedly confirmed the disputed promotions.
The message, referenced SH.4700/FS/FHQ/ABJ/T.3/40, indicated that the promotions were approved following communication from the Police Service Commission.
The document stated that several Chief Superintendents of Police were elevated to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police after receiving approval from the Inspector-General.
The directive, circulated to police departments and commands nationwide, also instructed authorities to acknowledge the promotions and extend congratulations to the affected officers, while noting that official gazette and Force Order publications would follow.
Eight officers were listed as beneficiaries of the promotion exercise from Chief Superintendent of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police. They include Ibrahim Tijani Umaira, Mohammed Amini, Usman Abdul Dimka, Iwok Ndifere, Mohammed I. Musa, Jimoh Shittu, Muhammad S. Ibrahim, and Promise Wosu.
The document indicated that the promotions took effect between July 28 and August 5, 2025.
However, sources within the police hierarchy alleged that the elevations were not entirely merit-based but were influenced by payments allegedly made to officials within the Police Service Commission.
A senior officer familiar with the development claimed the promotions were quietly processed during Egbetokun’s tenure.
According to the source, each of the promoted officers allegedly paid about ₦5 million to secure the advancement.
“These are special promotions carried out discreetly under Egbetokun. There are allegations that the officers paid ₦5 million each to obtain the ACP rank, while their course mates were left without promotion,” the source alleged.
The development has reportedly generated discontent within the police force, with several officers said to be frustrated after being overlooked despite meeting the required criteria for promotion.
Another insider noted that the situation has created tension within the ranks, as many qualified officers believe they were sidelined while others were unexpectedly elevated.