Adejobi Defends Police Promotions, Accuses Sahara Reporters of Misinformation

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has strongly refuted allegations made by Sahara Reporters regarding recent police promotions, describing the publication as “false and misleading.”

In a statement released on Wednesday, ACP Adejobi expressed dismay at what he called a recurring pattern of attacks by the media outlet.

“It is disheartening that severally Sahara Reporters, owned by Mr. Omoyele Sowore, has taken aim at the Nigeria Police Force with a series of publications riddled with falsehoods and baseless allegations over the activities of the NPF, most especially on the recent promotions approved by the Police Service Commission,” he wrote.

He emphasized that the promotions were based on merit, not favoritism or manipulation. “To be clear, the promotions in question did not emerge from favouritism or backdoor dealings, as the reports insinuate. They are the product of a deliberate, merit-based policy championed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM,” Adejobi explained.

He went on to highlight the IGP’s welfare-focused initiatives, including the Nigeria Police Force Awards and Commendations, and IGP’s Recognitions scheme, which reward officers demonstrating exceptional service. “The selection process for the awards has been diligent, transparent, and merit-based… Officers who receive these awards and recognitions aren’t just applauded, they are also considered for accelerated promotion,” he said.

Adejobi added that the recent promotions reflect the achievements of officers across various commands, including those serving at the Force Headquarters, who had been recognized in 2023 and 2024.

He accused Sahara Reporters of ignoring the facts in favour of sensationalism, even alleging that the outlet circulated forged documents. “Rather than seek the facts, Sahara Reporters has again opted for sensationalism, mischief, and in some instances, the circulation of forged documents wrongly attributed to the Police,” he stated. “One begins to wonder if Mr. Sowore has a personal axe to grind with the IGP.”

Adejobi concluded by reaffirming the integrity of the process: “The truth is simple, the promotion process was grounded on due process and merit.”