“₦10 Million for a Rank? Explosive Police Promotion Scandal Rocks Imo Government and Force Headquarters”
By Passman Akpos
Fresh controversy has erupted within the Nigeria Police Force following the promotion of two Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) to Acting Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), a development insiders describe as irregular and potentially tainted by corruption.
According to senior police sources, CSP Adamu Shaba Gboyako and CSP London Irikefe were not yet due for elevation when the promotions were granted by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
The commission recently approved their advancement based on recommendations from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu. An official wireless message from Force Headquarters in Abuja, dated February 26, 2026, confirmed that the promotions took effect from February 25, 2026.
Gboyako (AP/No. 140328), who currently serves as Chief Security Officer to Hope Uzodimma, the Governor of Imo State, was elevated from CSP to Acting ACP. Similarly, Irikefe London (AP/No. 107044) was also promoted from CSP to Acting ACP
The PSC congratulated the officers and noted that their names would soon appear in the official gazette and force orders. The announcement was subsequently circulated to all formations of the police nationwide, including zonal and state commands as well as specialized units.
Allegations of Financial Influence
However, the promotions have sparked serious allegations within the police hierarchy. Insider sources claim that Gboyako’s elevation may have involved a financial transaction amounting to several million naira.
“This is another scandalous, corruption-driven promotion by the Police Service Commission of two officers who were not due for promotion,” a senior source alleged.
The source further claimed that Gboyako reportedly paid as much as ₦10 million to secure the special promotion.
Gboyako has also been linked by insiders to the controversial Tiger Base unit in Owerri — the anti-kidnapping unit of the Imo State Police Command — which has long faced accusations of human rights abuses.
Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns over alleged torture, unlawful detention, and extrajudicial killings linked to the unit.
Public outrage intensified in December 2025 after the death of businessman Levi Opara, who reportedly died under suspicious circumstances while in custody at the facility. The incident triggered renewed calls for an independent investigation into the unit’s operations.
Internal Tensions Over Promotion SystemThe controversy surrounding the latest promotions has also revived concerns about corruption within the police promotion system.
Earlier reports had alleged that several senior officers paid around ₦5 million each to secure promotion to the rank of ACP during the tenure of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Internal police documents reportedly listed several officers elevated during that period, including Ibrahim Tijani Umaira, Mohammed Amini, Usman Abdul Dimka, Iwok Ndifere, Mohammed I. Musa, Jimoh Shittu, Muhammad S. Ibrahim, and Promise Wosu.
Insiders claim that such promotions have created growing tension within the force, as some officers who met the criteria were allegedly bypassed while others were fast-tracked.
“This has caused serious resentment because qualified officers were ignored while others suddenly jumped ranks,” one source said.
PSC Denies Allegations
In response to the allegations, the Police Service Commission has strongly denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement issued by its Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Torty Njoku Kalu, the commission dismissed claims that officers paid for promotions as false and defamatory.
“The Police Service Commission categorically denies these unfounded allegations in their entirety and describes the report as a reckless attempt to tarnish the image of both the Commission and the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.
The commission maintained that all promotions were conducted strictly in line with established procedures and guidelines governing the promotion of officers within the police force.
Despite the denial, the allegations have further fueled calls from observers and civil society groups for greater transparency and accountability in the police promotion system.
