A group of Nigerian police officers have publicly accused the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of favouritism in the recent round of promotions within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). The officers, who are 2023 graduates from various accredited universities and have fulfilled all required service conditions, allege they were unjustly excluded from the latest promotion exercise.
According to several officers who spoke under the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, junior colleagues who graduated in previous years were promoted ahead of them, despite having similar or less experience and qualifications.
“This is a clear case of selective advancement,” said one officer stationed in Lagos. “We completed our degrees in 2023, submitted all documentation, and have met every criterion laid out in the police service guidelines. Yet, we are being sidelined without explanation.”
The affected officers are calling for transparency and fairness in the promotion process. They argue that such perceived bias undermines morale within the force and could have serious implications for professionalism and performance.
Civil society groups have also taken notice of the development. The Centre for Police Reform and Accountability (CPRA) issued a statement urging the Police Service Commission and the Ministry of Police Affairs to launch an investigation into the matter.
“This is not just about delayed promotions—it’s about fairness, rule of law, and public trust in one of the country’s most important institutions,” said CPRA director, Tunde Olatunji.