The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
This was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the spokesman to the Minister of Interior, Babatunde Alao.
He said the officers, according to a viral post, allegedly extorted ₦5.2 million from a group of young men travelling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to Akure, Ondo State.
According to the statement, the minister noted that any officer found guilty will face the full weight of the law.
“We will not tolerate any form of misconduct from our security agencies. We are building a paramilitary that is disciplined, professional and serves Nigeria and Nigerians with all sense of dignity and patriotism,” the statement read.
“On this case, we will see that justice is upheld and ensure that security personnel serve with forthrightness.”
A popular social media influencer, Yemi Fasipe (yemiefash) had earlier on Monday raised the alarm over the extortion of the young travellers by officers of the Ekiti state command.
He said, ” I am writing to bring to your attention a deeply troubling incident involving some of your officers from the Ado-Ekiti office, along Ikere Road. These officers reportedly kidnapped and forcefully extorted ₦5.2 million from a group of young men who were simply traveling to Akure.
” It is shocking and disheartening to witness such gross abuse of power from personnel entrusted with civil protection. I demand an immediate investigation into this matter, a full refund of the extorted amount, and that the officers involved be held accountable and appropriately sanctioned.”
