The recent promotion of Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) Adamu Shaba Gboyako and London Irikefe to Acting Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) has sparked controversy, according to insiders.
Sources indicate that both officers were not yet due for elevation when the promotions were granted. The Police Service Commission (PSC) approved their advancement following recommendations from the Inspector-General of Police, with the promotions backdated to February 25, 2026.
Adamu Shaba Gboyako serves as Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, while London Irikefe also held the CSP rank prior to his elevation. The PSC congratulated the officers and noted that their names would be officially published in gazettes and force orders.
However, allegations have emerged claiming that Shaba’s promotion involved financial transactions totaling millions of naira, raising questions about the integrity of the process. Sources claim the CSO paid up to ₦10 million to secure his promotion.
Shaba is reportedly linked to the controversial Tiger Base unit of the Imo State Police Command, an Anti-Kidnapping Unit accused of unlawful detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups and families of victims have repeatedly demanded independent investigations into its operations.
Recent internal reports also revealed claims that staff members of Tiger Base faced intimidation and threats from superiors. Earlier investigations highlighted alleged corruption within the Nigeria Police promotion system, with some senior officers reportedly paying substantial sums to secure ACP ranks under former Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun.
An internal police document confirmed that eight officers were elevated from CSP to ACP between July and August 2025. Sources within the police have alleged that these promotions were influenced by payments rather than merit, causing tension among other qualified officers who were overlooked.
The PSC, however, has denied all allegations of financial impropriety, describing the claims as false and defamatory. Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, emphasized that all promotions followed due process and adhered to established guidelines.
