The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Command, has denied allegations of extortion against its State Commandant, Augustine Padonu. According to a statement signed by the command's Public Relations Officer, Samuel Opebiyi, the allegations were made in an online publication claiming that personnel were forced to make financial contributions towards the commandant's birthday and a church harvest celebration.
The command clarified that the commandant never directed, authorised or instructed any officer to make financial contributions for any personal event. The commandant's birthday and church harvest celebrations were strictly private family matters that took place in early August and had no connection with official Corps resources.
The allegations surfaced immediately after a major restructuring and personnel redeployment exercise carried out on September 24 for operational efficiency in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. The command attributed the publication to disgruntled individuals who were dissatisfied with the new operational postings and were attempting to undermine the integrity of the commandant.
Personnel rotations were routine administrative procedures necessary for the Corps to fulfil its national security mandate. The State Commandant remains fully committed to the mandate of the Corps of protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, and supporting other security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the state.
The commandant continued to prioritise staff welfare and strict discipline, reiterating the Corps' zero-tolerance policy regarding unauthorised levies or deductions from personnel allowances. Any officer with legitimate grievances was urged to utilise official administrative channels for a prompt and fair review.
The command spokesperson urged media houses to uphold objectivity and verify facts before publication, while advising the general public to disregard unverified claims aimed at damaging public confidence in the command's leadership. The command will not be distracted from its duties in an attempt to undermine public confidence in the Corps or the leadership of the State Commandant.
The NSCDC Oyo State Command's denial of the extortion allegations aims to maintain public trust and confidence in the leadership of the State Commandant. The Corps remains committed to its mandate and will continue to uphold its values of integrity and accountability.
Key points
- The NSCDC Oyo State Command denies allegations of extortion against State Commandant Augustine Padonu.
- The allegations were made in an online publication claiming that personnel were forced to make financial contributions towards the commandant's birthday and a church harvest celebration.
- The command attributes the publication to disgruntled individuals dissatisfied with new operational postings.
