The Integrity Youth Alliance has strongly refuted a recent report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, “gifted” 60 admission slots in the 2025 Nigerian Police Academy intake to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, his Deputy, Barau Jibrin, and other senior lawmakers.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the Alliance described the publication as false, malicious, and a calculated attempt to mislead the public and undermine the integrity of the Nigerian Police Force leadership.
According to the statement, all candidates whose names appeared on the 2025 Police Academy admission list were duly qualified, having purchased forms, written the entrance examinations, and met the required cut-off marks. The group stressed that no candidate was smuggled or unduly favoured, contrary to Sahara Reporters’ claims.
“According to our reliable source, there was no smuggling, favoritism, or manipulation in the process as mischievously alleged. The Police Academy operates autonomously under its management board, which handles admissions independently, without interference from the IGP,” the statement read.
The Alliance further dismissed Sahara Reporters’ assertion that IGP Egbetokun allocated admission slots to politicians so as to defend his t”illegal” enure in office, calling such claims baseless, defamatory, and reckless.
Citing Sections 18(8A) and 7(6) of the Police Act, the group maintained that the IGP’s tenure is lawfully defined and protected, adding that Sahara Reporters’ attempt to suggest otherwise amounts to irresponsible journalism and deliberate misinformation.
The Integrity Youth Alliance also challenged the media outlet to provide verifiable evidence proving that any admitted candidate failed to meet the prescribed qualifications.
“Unless Sahara Reporters can substantiate its allegations with credible facts, its publication should be regarded as fake news and character assassination,” Adegbenga stated.
The group reaffirmed its support for IGP Egbetokun and the management of the Nigerian Police Academy, commending their commitment to transparency, professionalism, and merit-based recruitment within the Force.
