Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, or NSCDC, has opened an investigation into claims that one of its agents physically assaulted well-known Nigerian gospel musician Yinka Ayefele.
According to reports, the alleged incident happened in Iloro Ekiti, Ekiti State, while Ayefele was entertaining guests at a gathering. The officer in question is said to have tried to take money from the singer’s car, but when he resisted, he allegedly punched the performer in the mouth and threatened to shoot him for refusing to do so.
Olusola Odumosu, the NSCDC’s director of public relations and a deputy commandant of the corps, denounced the act in a statement made accessible to journalists on Friday and announced that an inquiry had started to determine the proper course of action.
Part of the statement stated, “The management of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been drawn to the news circulating in the media on a case of an alleged physical assault by an operative of the Corps on a well-known Nigerian gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele.
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps strongly condemns such an unacceptable conduct that is unbecoming of a law enforcement official.
“The Corps, led by Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, has no tolerance for corruption, disobedience, or any other heinous behavior that endangers the safety and security of this nation’s residents.
“We do not in any way support acts of carelessness, impudence, violence against any individual or group of individuals, or violations of citizens’ basic human rights, regardless of their position in society.
“As a result, the Commandant General has directed that all affected officers be located and called to the National Headquarters right away for the requisite disciplinary action.
He has instructed the Ekiti State Commandant to launch a thorough inquiry into the incident right once in order to determine the accuracy of the claim and the degree of each officer’s involvement and responsibility in the incident.
The Corps wishes to express its sincere regret to Yinka Ayefele, a well-known and well-liked gospel singer, his supporters, the Iloro Ekiti community, and everyone else impacted by this heinous and abhorrent act that goes against the Corps’ core values, rules of engagement, and standard operating procedure.
“Humility and integrity in service delivery” are the Corps’ guiding principles.
“We are courteous in approach but firm in carrying out our mandate.
“The Corps respects the basic human rights of all Nigerian citizens and foreigners who reside under its territorial jurisdiction.
To guarantee that the safety and security of the good people in this wonderful nation are not jeopardized, we will keep collaborating closely with them.
As a result, Odumosu gave the public the assurance that “the Corps will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that justice is served in this situation and that erring officers found accountable be decisively dealt with to serve as deterrent to others.”
