Sahara Reporters’ Falsehoods Against IGP Egbetokun: A Case Of Malicious Mischief And Reckless Journalism -By Chinonso Chukwuemeka

I just came across a mischievous and baseless publication by Sahara Reporters claiming that the names of 60 persons were “smuggled” into the Nigeria Police Academy admission list as candidates allegedly sponsored by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, his deputy, Barau Jibrin, and other top senators. This is nothing but a blatant lie from the pit of hell.

All admissions into the Nigeria Police Academy have always been strictly on merit, following due diligence and transparent selection processes. The Academy remains one of Nigeria’s most disciplined and merit-driven security institutions, where candidates are admitted solely based on their qualifications, performance, and integrity, not political influence or godfatherism.

The same discredited platform, Sahara Reporters, has also been peddling unfounded rumours about “preferential promotions” within the Nigeria Police Force.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, has since clarified and dismissed the so-called controversy as a malicious fabrication aimed at undermining his reform-driven leadership.

On the personal allegation that one Bukola Kuti was allegedly “romantically involved with Egbetokun”, I will refrain from commenting, as the matter is already before a court of competent jurisdiction. The truth will prevail in due course.

Furthermore, the false narrative pushed by Sahara Reporters about “rising favouritism” and “a sit-tight leadership style” under IGP Egbetokun is laughable and illogical. The Inspector-General of Police has never operated outside the confines of the law.

The Police Act and relevant regulations clearly stipulate the tenure of the IGP’s office, and Egbetokun, being a disciplined officer and a law-abiding citizen, has always respected and upheld those provisions.

Equally mischievous is the claim that the Police Service Commission (PSC) was “reluctant to publish” the full list of promoted officers. This is another deliberate falsehood. The PSC, in collaboration with the Force Headquarters, has consistently published promotions following due process, ensuring transparency and fairness.

The IGP’s office remains a sanctuary of integrity, discipline, and purposeful leadership under Egbetokun. The so-called “fake source” quoted by Sahara Reporters is nothing more than a figment of malicious imagination intended to sow discord and confusion within the Force.

No promotion under IGP Egbetokun has ever been controversial, nor has any sparked ethnic or institutional tensions. Promotions in the Force have been based purely on merit, seniority, performance, and eligibility.

Every officer who earned advancement under this administration did so through hard work and professionalism, not favouritism or backdoor lobbying.

Contrary to Sahara Reporters’ fictitious claims, no promotion has caused discontent across the various police commands. On the contrary, morale within the Force is high, and officers are motivated by a renewed sense of fairness, justice, and professionalism under IGP Egbetokun’s watch.

It is high time certain media platforms stopped weaponising misinformation to tarnish the image of our national institutions. The Nigeria Police Force deserves commendation, not condemnation built on lies.

Under IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the Force continues to evolve into a more transparent, accountable, and efficient security institution, guided by the rule of law, integrity, and an unshakeable commitment to national service.

Ambassador Chinonso Chukwuemeka writes from Akwa, Anambra State.