Oyo NSCDC Commandant Denies Extortion Claims

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Command, issued a denial regarding allegations of extortion against its State Commandant, Augustine Padonu. The statement, signed by Public Relations Officer Samuel Opebiyi, was released on Tuesday in Ibadan.

It responded to an online publication accusing Padonu of running an extortion scheme, claiming personnel were coerced into making financial contributions for his birthday and a church harvest celebration. Opebiyi clarified that Padonu did not authorize any such contributions, emphasizing that the celebrations were private matters unrelated to official Corps resources.

The command noted that the allegations emerged following a personnel restructuring and redeployment exercise on September 24, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency ahead of the 2027 general elections. Opebiyi suggested that the claims were made by disgruntled individuals unhappy with their new postings.

He reiterated the command's commitment to staff welfare and a zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized deductions from personnel allowances.