Last reviewed May 17, 2026

Police character certificate in Nigeria: how it works

A Police Character Certificate is an official Nigeria Police document often needed for visas, immigration, jobs, and residency processes.

Quick answer

Use the official POSSAP portal or verified Nigeria Police channels for Police Character Certificate requests. Nigeria Police says certificates can be validated through POSSAP to confirm they were officially issued.

What to prepare

  • Valid identity document or passport details.
  • Passport photograph where required.
  • Address and personal details.
  • Payment/portal reference.
  • Validation link or certificate reference after issuance.

Watch out for fake certificates

For immigration and embassy use, fake or unverifiable certificates can cause serious problems. Validate the certificate and avoid unofficial agents who cannot provide a verifiable document.

Related: Passport renewal, Birth certificate.