NSCDC officers detained over alleged N5.2m extortion

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) allegedly involved in extortion of N5.2 million extortion from some young Nigerians travelers in Ekiti State have been detained.

Dr Ahmed Audi, the Commandant-General (CG) of the NSCDC ordered the immediate detention of the officers, Afolabi Babawale, the spokesperson for the corps said in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

The detention of the NSCDC officers followed an order for investigation of the alleged extortion by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Tuesday.

A viral social media post alleged that some NSCDC officers extorted N5.2 million from a group of young men traveling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti to Akure, Ondo State.

Audi directed that the suspects should be transported to the NSCDC National headquarters in Abuja for further investigation.

He said that this will enable the corps’ disciplinary committee to carry out a full scale investigation into the alleged extortion report as directed by the minister.

”Their actions were highly condemnable and unprofessional as it contravenes the Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the NSCDC.

”The NSCDC management awaits the outcome of the investigation and promises to deal decisively with the officers according to the Public Service Rules (PSR) if found guilty of the alleged offence,” he said.

Audi assured Nigerians that the corps will not shield anyone found culpable of corrupt practices or any form of compromise.

He added that the corps will make erring officers accountable for their individual actions by facing appropriate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others.

The CG urged the public not to be deterred in relating with the corps by proving necessary information that will eradicate harassment or extortion of citizens.

(NAN)