The Police Service Commission (PSC) has formed a committee to examine a story published by an online medium alleging that police officers pay up to $10,000 in bribes to advance in their careers.
Mr. Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, said this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
According to Ani, the study alleged that certain police officers paid a $10,000 bribe to get a special promotion from the PSC.
According to him, the allegation was made in a petition on behalf of some disgruntled senior police officers by one Chijioke Okonkwo, according to the article.
The PSC spokesperson said that although the alleged Chijoike Okonkwo did not specify his position, the panel would appreciate further information on the claims.
Ani said that the commission has not received a formal petition or comparable complaint on the claims.
He did, however, say that “anyone with evidence on these allegations should, as soon as possible, forward it to the commission.”
Ani promised that anybody found guilty would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The commission has also established an investigation panel comprised of both commission members and members of the Nigeria Police Force to investigate these allegations.”
“Aggrieved officers should take advantage of the existence of this investigative panel and present substantiated evidence that could aid the investigation.”
“The commission insists that those found wanting during the course of the investigation will face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.
However, a PSC spokeswoman cautioned that the panel will not allow frivolous and fabricated media reports.
He said that police officers and personnel should always use authorised channels of communication.
Ani further said that the commission has asked the police to ascertain the identity of the aforementioned Chijioke Okonkwo in order to conduct adequate questioning.
He guaranteed that the new PSC Chairman, Solomon Arase, has been striving to unify and enhance the commission’s and police’s services.
“The Commission cannot afford this kind of distraction,” he added, adding that Arase’s goal to restore sanity, peace, and unity to the police sub-sector is already bearing fruit.
He told Nigerians that the new PSC chairman was committed to cleaning up the system and had admonished commission personnel to act ethically in carrying out their duties.
“Bribery and corruption of any kind will not be tolerated under his watch,” Ani continued.
