Oyo civil defence command rejects extortion allegations against commandant

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ Oyo State Command has rejected allegations that its commandant, Augustine Padonu, extorted money from personnel, according to a statement issued by the command on Tuesday in Ibadan. The statement, signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Samuel Opebiyi, responded to an online report alleging that officers deployed to various beats were forced to contribute towards the commandant’s birthday and a church harvest celebration. Opebiyi said Padonu had neither directed nor authorised any officer to make contributions for a personal event.

He said the commandant’s birthday and the church harvest were private family matters held in early August and were not connected to official Corps resources. The command also questioned the timing of the allegations, saying they emerged shortly after a major restructuring and personnel redeployment exercise conducted on September 24. It said the exercise was undertaken to improve operational efficiency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Opebiyi attributed the report to individuals dissatisfied with new operational postings and seeking to undermine the commandant’s reputation. He described personnel rotations as routine administrative procedures required for the Corps to fulfil its national security responsibilities. He said the command maintained a zero-tolerance policy on unauthorised levies or deductions from personnel allowances, adding that officers with legitimate complaints should use official administrative channels.

Personnel found guilty of misconduct, he said, would face formal disciplinary action. The spokesperson urged media organisations to verify allegations before publication and said the command would remain focused on protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical infrastructure and supporting other security agencies in maintaining peace and security in Oyo State.