NSCDC Oyo Commandant Augustine Padonu: Extortion Denial Issued by Command

• The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Command, has officially denied allegations of extortion against its Commandant, Augustine Padonu.
• Claims suggested personnel were forced to contribute financially for Commandant Padonu's personal events, which the command stated were private family matters in early August.
• The command attributes the allegations to disgruntled individuals following a major personnel restructuring and redeployment on September 24.
• NSCDC officials emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized deductions and urged officers with grievances to use official administrative channels.
• The command warned that personnel found guilty of misconduct or making false allegations would face formal disciplinary action.

Officers with legitimate grievances are urged to utilize official administrative channels for review, with a clear warning that formal disciplinary action awaits those found guilty of misconduct or making false allegations.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has unequivocally refuted recent allegations of extortion leveled against its State Commandant, Augustine Padonu. The denial was formally issued on Tuesday in Ibadan through a statement released by the command's Public Relations Officer, Samuel Opebiyi. This official response directly addressed an online publication that accused Commandant Padonu of orchestrating a scheme to extract money from personnel under his command.

The online report specifically claimed that NSCDC officers deployed across various operational beats within Oyo State were compelled to make financial contributions. These alleged contributions were purportedly for Commandant Padonu's personal birthday celebration and a church harvest event. The command's swift and firm denial aims to counter these assertions and maintain public trust in its leadership.

In refuting the Oyo NSCDC extortion allegations, spokesperson Samuel Opebiyi clarified that Commandant Augustine Padonu never issued any directive, authorization, or instruction for officers to contribute financially to any personal event. Opebiyi emphasized that both the Commandant's birthday and the church harvest celebration were strictly private family affairs, which occurred in early August and had no connection whatsoever with official Corps resources or operations.

The command also raised questions regarding the timing of these Augustine Padonu misconduct claims, noting their emergence immediately following a significant internal restructuring and personnel redeployment exercise. This operational overhaul, which took place on September 24, was implemented to enhance efficiency in preparation for the 2027 general elections. Opebiyi suggested that the publication originated from disgruntled individuals who were dissatisfied with their new operational postings, implying an attempt to undermine the commandant's integrity. He further asserted that personnel rotations are a routine administrative procedure, essential for the Corps to effectively fulfill its national security mandate.

The Nigeria Security Civil Defence Corps Oyo Command reiterated its commitment to its core mandate, which includes protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, and supporting other security agencies in maintaining peace and security across the state. The command spokesperson highlighted Commandant Padonu's dedication to staff welfare alongside strict discipline, underscoring the Corps' zero-tolerance policy regarding any unauthorized levies or deductions from personnel allowances.

Crucially, Opebiyi urged any officer with legitimate grievances to utilize the established official administrative channels for a prompt and fair review of their concerns. This directive emphasizes the internal mechanisms available for dispute resolution within the Corps. He issued a stern warning that any personnel found guilty of misconduct, or of making false allegations, would face formal disciplinary action in accordance with the NSCDC personnel grievances policy and disciplinary protocols.

Beyond addressing the specific allegations, the NSCDC Oyo Command called upon media houses to uphold principles of objectivity and to thoroughly verify facts before publishing. The public was simultaneously advised to disregard any unverified claims that aim to damage confidence in the command's leadership. This appeal underscores the broader impact of such reports on public perception and the operational effectiveness of security agencies.

The command affirmed its unwavering focus on its duties, asserting that it would not be distracted by attempts to undermine public confidence in the Corps or the leadership of the State Commandant. This stance reinforces the organization's determination to continue its critical work despite internal or external challenges to its integrity.

Lawyers advising NSCDC personnel should note the official directive to use administrative channels for grievances and the warning of formal disciplinary action for misconduct or false allegations. This highlights the internal dispute resolution mechanisms and potential risks for those making unsubstantiated claims within the Corps.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspapers