Nigeria: Police Allege Irregularities, Corruption in Recruitment Process

 

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has raised concerns over alleged irregularities and corruption in the recently released list of successful candidates for the 2022/23 Police Constables Recruitment Exercise by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was revealed that the list published on the Police Service Commission (PSC) portal includes numerous names of individuals who did not apply for the recruitment exercise and thus did not participate in any phase of it.

“The published list contains several names of candidates who either failed the Computer Based Test (CBT), the physical screening exercise, or both,” the statement noted.

Also, the statement further highlighted that individuals who were deemed medically unfit after standard medical tests and were disqualified from the exercise somehow appeared on the list of successful candidates.

“The most troubling aspect is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices leading to the inclusion of unqualified and untrainable individuals on the list,” it added.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) reportedly expressed objections to the list in a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission on June 10, 2024. The objections emphasized the discrepancies and irregularities discovered, underscoring the Police’s concern over the recruitment process.

“While recognizing the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Commission’s authority to recruit for the police, the Police reiterated that this authority does not extend to recruiting unqualified and untrained individuals,” the statement clarified.

The Police Service Commission, following the Supreme Court’s ruling on its recruitment powers, had constituted a Joint Recruitment Board to oversee the process. However, according to the statement, the Board was allegedly hampered and prevented from fulfilling its mandate, culminating in a final list that was not endorsed by the Board itself.

Consequently, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has distanced itself from the published list and called for a comprehensive review process that ensures transparency and credibility.

The statement emphasized the Police’s commitment to recruiting qualified, competent, trainable, and productive individuals into the force, aligning with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on police reform.

The recruitment exercise has been fraught with controversy, including the resignation of the former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Musiliu Smith, in 2023 amidst ongoing disputes over recruitment procedures.

The Police Service Commission had advertised the recruitment for constables, prompting conflicting notices from both the Commission and the Police regarding their respective roles in the recruitment process.

In its statement, the Nigeria Police Force urged the public to disregard the Commission’s recruitment notices, asserting that recruitment processes remain solely within the purview of the Police Force.