By Muhammed Akindele
The Nigeria Police Force has strongly condemned an article published by Sahara Reporters on November 10, 2025, alleging that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, “smuggled names” into the Nigeria Police Academy admission list.
In a statement issued by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, the Police described the publication as “false, malicious, defamatory, and a product of irresponsible journalism.”
According to the statement, the Force said the report was a calculated attempt to mislead Nigerians and damage the integrity of the Police institution and its leadership.
“The admission process into the Nigeria Police Academy remains transparent, merit-based, and strictly guided by due process,” the statement read.
It clarified that for the 2025/2026 academic session, a total of 370 candidates—ten per state—were admitted purely on merit, having met all academic, physical, and character requirements.
The Police further explained that while individuals or leaders may recommend candidates, such recommendations “do not override merit nor influence the selection process.”
“Under the watch of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, no name is smuggled, no slot is sold, and no standard is compromised,” the statement emphasized.
The Force challenged Sahara Reporters to produce verifiable evidence of any name on the admission list that failed to meet the stipulated criteria, describing the publication as “a baseless fabrication and an act of journalistic blackmail.”
It further warned that the pattern of targeted misinformation by the platform was “a direct assault on national institutions” and capable of undermining public trust in law enforcement.
The statement cautioned Sahara Reporters to desist from publishing false and malicious content or risk facing legal action for defamation.
“Spreading falsehoods against the nation’s foremost law enforcement agency is not investigative journalism; it is subversive propaganda,” the Police said.
The Force urged the public to disregard the Sahara Reporters publication, reaffirming its commitment to merit, transparency, and professionalism in all its operations.
“No amount of blackmail or falsehood will distract the Nigeria Police Force from its sacred duty of protecting lives, property, and the integrity of our nation,” the statement concluded.
