A recent round of police promotions approved under the leadership of embattled Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has stirred widespread controversy within the Nigerian Police Force, as 30 out of the 37 officers elevated are reportedly of Yoruba origin.
The promotions, allegedly made under “special consideration,” have triggered accusations of ethnic favoritism and regional bias, with aggrieved officers across various commands expressing concerns over being overlooked despite meeting promotion requirements.
SaharaReporters, which had earlier reported on the matter, has now obtained the full list of the promoted officers. The list confirms that a significant number of those promoted hail from the South-West, further fuelling discontent and accusations of nepotism against the police leadership.
According to reports, the Police Headquarters, while announcing the promotions, deliberately released only the names of one officer each from the North and South-East, while withholding the full list — a move critics say was intended to downplay the ethnic imbalance.
The promotion exercise is also marred by revelations that some beneficiaries have close ties to the IGP, including Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who is among those promoted and is scheduled for decoration at a private ceremony in the IGP’s office.
Breakdown of Promotions
ASP to DSP
- Israel Adebayo Abodunrin
- Adeyemi Adekunle Abraham
- Ada Audu
- Oluwaseyi Hunsu
- Pelemoh Shefunmi
- Yemisi Ademosu
- Amer Daniel
Inspector to ASP
- John Godwin
- Hauwa Tanko
- Dahiru Ibrahim
CSP to ACP
- Aliyu Shaba Lekan
- Lydia Inemona Ameh
- Odeyeyiwa Oladimeji
- Hussaini Yusuf
- Moses Ebun Dada
- Eneze Makoju
- Ganiyu A. Adebowale
- Olusoji Abraham Obideyi
- Beorgelyn Patrick Uformadu
- Uba Anthony Mmaduka
- Bukola Yemisi Kuti
SP to CSP
- Garba Ibrahim
- Hassan Adamu
- Ojele Clement Adebayo
- Tolulope Ipinmisho
- Awe Adeoye Vincent
- Oluwole J. Ogunwusi
- Doris Elakhe
- Sheriff Atanda
- Femi D. Adebayo
ACP to DCP
- Olumuyiwa O. Adejobi
- Akeem D. Adedeji
- Adeoye Oluwatosin Adefila
DCP to CP
- Lateef Adio Ahmed
Ag. DSP to DSP
- Nun Rasaq
- Adeagbo Olaide
- Ozanu Olaminka
This development has deepened divisions within the force and led to calls for a more transparent and inclusive promotion process that reflects national diversity. Meanwhile, the IGP has remained silent on the growing backlash, choosing instead to proceed with decorating the officers behind closed doors.
