PSC Warns Police Applicants Against Employment Fraudsters

Yemi Akinsuyi in Abuja

Police Service Commission, PSC, has warned that anybody caught giving or receiving money to facilitate the recruitment of persons into the Nigeria Police Force will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted.

A release signed by the Commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, said already arrests have been made in some parts of the country and the police are currently investigating the cases to establish the level of involvement of the culprits.

He said the commission has continued to receive reports of fraudsters soliciting for payment to help candidates either to obtain the recruitment forms or to assist them secure employment.

He said: “The Commission wishes to reiterate that the recruitment forms are free and filled online without any person to person contact. The Commission’s paid advertisement on the recruitment also stated boldly that this form “Is absolutely free”.

The Chairman of the Commission, Mike Okiro, a retired Inspector General of Police, said the Commission will deal decisively with anybody who decides to extort money from applicants in the name of helping them to get the forms or secure employment.

Okiro called on the public to report to the Commission anybody found undermining the exercise through the illegal sale of the recruitment forms.

He noted that the Commission is irrevocably committed to discharging this constitutional obligation of recruiting 10,000 Policemen as directed by Mr. President to the satisfaction of Nigerians.

He insisted that the hands of the Commission are not tied by anybody and that the Commission will be rigidly guided by the established criteria and qualifications.

He warned the Staff of the Commission to resist the temptation of receiving money from applicants or their sponsors, stressing that any staff caught will be dealt with in line with the public service rules and will also be prosecuted.
The Chairman said he is aware of the pressure from applicants but said the Staff should rise above board and protect the integrity and sanctity of the exercise.

He reiterated his promise that the Commission will not disappoint Nigerians in the conduct of the exercise which he said is at the heart of the survival of the nation.

Meanwhile as at Wednesday, April 27th, 2016, PSC stated that a total of 806,646 applicants have submitted their applications.