The Nigeria Police Force has debunked a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, “smuggled names” into the Nigeria Police Academy admission list.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the NPF described the report as false, malicious, and defamatory, saying it was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Force and its leadership.
“The report is a barefaced lie, a product of irresponsible and unethical journalism, and a calculated attempt to erode public confidence in the Police institution,” the statement read.
The Force clarified that the admission process into the Nigeria Police Academy is transparent, merit-based, and strictly adheres to due process. For the 2025/2026 academic session, it said, 370 candidates, ten from each state, were admitted solely on merit after meeting all academic, physical, and character requirements.
While acknowledging that recommendations from leaders or institutions are sometimes received, the Force emphasised that such referrals do not influence admissions. “Under the watch of IGP Egbetokun, no name is smuggled, no slot is sold, and no standard is compromised,” the statement affirmed.
Challenging Sahara Reporters to present a single verifiable name from the admission list that failed to meet stipulated requirements, the Police described the publication as “a baseless fabrication, an act of journalistic blackmail, and a grave defamation of character.”
The Force further condemned what it termed a recurring pattern of targeted misinformation against national institutions, warning that such actions threaten public trust and national security.
CSP Hundeyin cautioned Sahara Reporters to desist from spreading false and malicious reports against the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the Force would not hesitate to seek legal redress for defamation if the trend continues.
He urged Nigerians to disregard the publication, assuring that the Police remain steadfast in their commitment to merit, transparency, accountability, and the protection of lives and property.
“No amount of blackmail or falsehood will distract the Nigeria Police Force from its sacred duty of safeguarding lives, property, and the integrity of our nation,” the statement concluded.
