NSCDC Refutes Claims of Unlawful Detention of Corps Member

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) denied allegations of unlawfully detaining Joseph Philip, a 27-year-old National Youth Service Corps member, and Umar Bala, a 69-year-old man. NSCDC Commandant Olusola Odumosu described the allegations as false and misleading during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Philip was arrested on February 6 for allegedly impersonating a corps member and defrauding parents of N1.3 million under the pretense of providing scholarships and extra lessons. He was transferred to the FCT Command on February 9 for further investigation.

Philip was granted bail but failed to meet the conditions. The NSCDC stated that he was remanded by a magistrate court in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

The command also rejected claims of demanding money for release. Bala's case involved accusations of fraud amounting to N217 million, and the NSCDC insisted that all detentions followed due legal process.