IGP Orders Probe as Police Promotion Controversy Deepens
Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu has confirmed that an investigation will be launched into the conduct of the Sierra Leone Police Human Resource Department following irregularities identified during a review of the controversial 2026 promotion exercise.
Sellu made the announcement on Thursday, November 12, while addressing journalists on the outcome of the review of 4,232 promotions initially announced on October 12, 2026.
He disclosed that the original promotion list contained anomalies and procedural irregularities, prompting him to cancel it and establish a review committee headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Andrew Mustapha Kamara.
The committee was tasked with examining the promotion process and determining whether the affected personnel met the required eligibility criteria.
The IGP explained that he had also ordered an investigation into the conduct of the Human Resource Department but decided to allow the promotion review to be completed before proceeding with the investigation. With the review now concluded, he said the investigation would commence.
Providing details of the revised promotion exercise, Sellu disclosed that approximately 2,500 personnel from the original list had met the eligibility requirements. He also announced plans for supplementary promotions involving another 1,300 personnel, bringing the expected total number of beneficiaries to approximately 3,800.
He explained that the review was based on three main criteria: date of enlistment, academic qualifications and date of last promotion.
Sellu also defended the decision to decentralise the promotion process, noting that the previous arrangement, which concentrated promotion decisions at Police Headquarters, weakened the authority of Local Unit Commanders, departmental heads and other senior officers.
Under the revised approach, commanders and heads of units were invited to submit appraisals and recommendations for personnel under their supervision, allowing individual performance and eligibility to be considered during the promotion process.
The IGP said his broader vision for the Sierra Leone Police was to reset the institution, restore public trust and strengthen the confidence of the people it serves.
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