The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Command, has denied allegations that its State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, extorted money from personnel.
The denial was issued on Tuesday in Ibadan in a statement signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Samuel Opebiyi.
According to the statement, the command was reacting to a recent online publication accusing the commandant of running an extortion scheme.
The report claimed that personnel deployed to various beats across the state were forced to make financial contributions towards the commandant’s birthday and a church harvest celebration.
Opebiyi, while refuting the claims, clarified that the commandant never directed, authorised or instructed any officer to make financial contributions for any personal event.
He emphasised that 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 command questioned the timing of the allegations, noting that they surfaced immediately after a major restructuring and personnel redeployment exercise carried out on Sept. 24.
The restructuring was carried out for operational efficiency in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
Opebiyi attributed the publication to disgruntled individuals who were dissatisfied with the new operational postings and were attempting to undermine the integrity of the commandant.
He maintained that 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,” Opebiyi said.
He added that the commandant continued to prioritise staff welfare and strict discipline, reiterating the Corps’ zero-tolerance policy regarding unauthorised levies or deductions from personnel allowances.
Opebiyi urged any officer with legitimate grievances to utilise official administrative channels for a prompt and fair review, warning that any personnel found guilty of misconduct would face formal disciplinary action.
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,” he said.