The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has ordered the immediate detention of officers allegedly involved in extorting ₦5.2m from a traveler, following a directive from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The order was contained in a statement signed by the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, on Wednesday.
The incident, which gained attention through a viral social media post, reportedly involved officers extorting the said amount from a young man travelling from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State.
In a swift response, the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, condemned the actions of the officers, labeling them unprofessional and a violation of the Corps’ Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedure.
According to the statement, Audi directed that the officers be brought to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja for detention, while a disciplinary committee has been established to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case.
According to the CG, any officer found guilty after the investigation would face sanctions in line with the Public Service Rules.
He stressed that the Corps under his leadership would not tolerate any form of misconduct, emphasising the need for accountability.
“Following the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Corps, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has ordered the immediate detention of the alleged officers.
“He further directed that the culprits be whisked down to the Corps national headquarters, Abuja for detention, to pave the way for the disciplinary committee set up to carry out a full-scale investigation into the alleged extortion report as directed by the Minister of Interior.
“The Corps helmsman hinted that the management of the Corps awaits the outcome of the investigation and promised to deal decisively with the officers according to the Public Service Rules if they are found guilty of the alleged offence,” the statement read in part.
Audi also encouraged the public to continue collaborating with the Corps by sharing relevant information, assuring that citizens should not fear intimidation or extortion.
He reaffirmed his commitment to integrity and transparency within the service, promising not to shield any officer involved in corrupt practices.