November 11, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed, as false and malicious, a report published by Sahara Reporters alleging that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, “smuggled names” into the 2025/2026 admission list of the Nigeria Police Academy.
A statement signed on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the report as a “barefaced lie, a product of irresponsible and unethical journalism, and a calculated attempt to mislead Nigerians.”
The statement noted that the publication was deliberately crafted to malign the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force and its leadership, incite public disaffection, and erode confidence in the institution.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the admission process into the Nigeria Police Academy remains transparent, merit-based, and strictly guided by due process. For the 2025/2026 academic session, a total of 370 candidates, ten per state, were admitted solely on merit, having met all academic, physical, and character benchmarks required by the Academy”, Hundeyin said.
The Police explained that while recommendations from well-meaning Nigerians, leaders, or institutions are sometimes received—as is common practice in public institutions—such gestures do not override merit or influence the final selection.
“Under the watch of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, no name is smuggled, no slot is sold, and no standard is compromised”, the statement asserted.
The Force, therefore, challenged Sahara Reporters to produce a single verifiable name from the approved admission list that does not meet the stipulated requirements.
“Until such evidence is produced, the report remains a baseless fabrication, an act of journalistic blackmail, and a grave defamation of character”, Hundeyin declared.
The statement condemned what it described as a growing pattern of “targeted misinformation” by Sahara Reporters, calling it a direct assault on national institutions and an act capable of undermining public trust and national security.
“Spreading falsehoods against the nation’s foremost law enforcement agency is not investigative journalism; it is subversive propaganda”, the Police spokesman warned.
The Force further cautioned Sahara Reporters to desist from its “habitual dissemination of false and malicious reports” against the Nigeria Police Force, threatening legal action if such conduct continues.
“The Force will actively consult its legal department and explore appropriate legal redress, including defamation proceedings, against Sahara Reporters and any individuals complicit in this calculated misinformation campaign”, the statement added.
Hundeyin urged members of the public to disregard the publication in its entirety, describing it as false, mischievous, and driven by ill intent.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute, professional, and unwavering in its commitment to merit, transparency, and accountability”, he said.
Reaffirming the IGP’s commitment to integrity and professionalism, the Force said no amount of blackmail or falsehood would distract it from its constitutional duty to protect lives, property, and the unity of the nation.
Hundeyin also called on media organisations to verify information before publication, stressing that journalism must serve truth and national interest rather than personal or political agendas. He reaffirmed the Force’s openness to scrutiny and constructive engagement from credible media bodies and civil society groups genuinely committed to transparency and national development.
The Force reiterates its commitment to uphold fairness and meritocracy in its recruitment and training institutions.
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