The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Oyo State Command, has denied allegations that its State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, extorted money from personnel deployed across the state.
The command described the allegations as unsubstantiated, insisting that Padonu neither directed nor authorised officers to make financial contributions towards his personal celebrations.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Ibadan by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Samuel Opebiyi, following an online report accusing the commandant of operating an alleged extortion scheme.
According to the report, personnel deployed to various beats across Oyo State were allegedly required to contribute money towards Padonu’s birthday celebration and a church harvest.
The allegations have generated questions about financial deductions involving security personnel, particularly whether contributions associated with personal or religious events were voluntary or compulsory.
Responding to the claims, Opebiyi said the commandant had never instructed, authorised or directed any officer to contribute money for either occasion.
He explained that Padonu’s birthday and church harvest celebrations, which took place in early August, were private family events and had no connection with the official resources or activities of the NSCDC.
The spokesperson also questioned the timing of the allegations, noting that they emerged shortly after a major restructuring and personnel redeployment exercise conducted by the command on September 24.
According to the command, the exercise was undertaken to improve operational efficiency as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Opebiyi suggested that the allegations may have been linked to dissatisfaction among some personnel affected by the new postings. He described the reports as an attempt by disgruntled individuals to undermine the reputation of the commandant.
However, separate reports have quoted unnamed NSCDC personnel as alleging that contributions were collected from officers. One report alleged that some personnel were asked to contribute N5,000 each towards the commandant’s birthday and church harvest, while a beat coordinator reportedly acknowledged making deductions but described them as a form of organisational sacrifice rather than extortion.
The conflicting accounts have not been independently resolved. The NSCDC’s official position is that Padonu did not authorise personal-event contributions, while the allegations from some personnel concern how money was allegedly collected at operational beats.
Opebiyi stressed that the Oyo Command maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards unauthorised levies or deductions from personnel allowances.
He said officers with legitimate grievances should use established administrative channels to lodge complaints and seek review.
The spokesperson further stated that any personnel found guilty of misconduct would be subjected to formal disciplinary procedures.
The NSCDC said Padonu remains focused on the statutory responsibilities of the Corps, including protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, and supporting other security agencies in maintaining peace and security.
The Corps is a federal security agency with responsibilities that include protection of critical infrastructure, community safety, emergency response and support for national security operations. Its official website says the agency operates across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The controversy comes as security agencies continue preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the Oyo Command saying its recent personnel restructuring was part of efforts to improve operational effectiveness.
For now, the allegations remain disputed, with the command rejecting claims of an extortion scheme and calling on the public and media organisations to verify information before publication.
The Oyo NSCDC spokesperson urged officers who believe their rights have been violated to pursue formal administrative channels rather than relying on unverified reports.
He maintained that the command would not allow the controversy to distract it from its security responsibilities in the state.
