PSC Warns Against Bribery As Police Academy Screening Begins 

The Police Service Commission (PSC) commenced the screening and processing of applicants for the 2025 Police Academy (POLAC) admission on Monday in Wudil, Kano State.

The commission will screen candidates from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) until Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Speaking to THE WHISTLER, the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, said the exercise is being supervised by retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Paul Galumje, and DIG Taiwo Lakanu.

According to Ani, the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), appealed to all parties participating in the ongoing POLAC admission screening to play by the rules.

Ani quoted Argungu as warning that “POLAC admission processes are to test run this policy (whistle-blowing) and will deal with any person or persons, no matter how highly placed, who fall victim to the dictates of the policy.”

Argungu added that “The Commission is poised to sanitise police recruitment in the country, which includes admission into POLAC, so that the police will be proud of the products that will be sent to them.”

Argungu assured that the Commission will continue to carry along all relevant stakeholders in the search for a clean and credible recruitment process while urging state governments to show more interest in the ongoing POLAC admission processes to protect their quota. 

Ani told THE WHISTLER that the total number of applicants would be ascertained towards the end of the exercise.

He, however, reiterated that the recently unveiled whistleblowing policy has commenced to ensure transparency.

Ani explained that Nigerians are encouraged to report instances such as the solicitation or acceptance of bribes for recruitment slots or preferential treatment. 

He said, “This policy empowers every citizen to act as a watchdog, ensuring that the recruitment process is free from bribery, fraud and unethical influence.”

“It also includes manipulation of results in written, physical or medical tests; falsification of credentials, age, certificates, or state of origin with the knowledge of officials; sexual harassment or extortion of candidates; and the presence of ghost candidates or inclusion of names not part of the official recruitment process. 

“Impersonation during examinations or screenings, as well as any other form of undue influence or unethical conduct by recruitment officials or middlemen, are also covered under the policy,” Ani further revealed.

The commission urged individuals who wish to submit complaints to provide as much detail as possible.

It added, “You can also report anonymously, but providing your contact details will assist if further information is needed.

“All reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Whistle-blowers will be protected from victimisation, intimidation or retaliation, as provided by relevant Nigerian laws.

“The commission’s commitment is that every credible report will be promptly, independently, and thoroughly investigated. It will take decisive disciplinary and legal action against any individual found culpable of recruitment malpractices,” Ani stated.