Oyo NSCDC boss denies extortion claims, promises probe into whistleblower allegations

Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Augustine Padonu, has denied allegations linking him to the extortion of personnel under his command.

According to SaharaReporters, officers accused the command of imposing contributions allegedly meant to fund Padonu’s birthday celebrations and church harvest.

Padonu said he had no knowledge of the alleged deductions and never authorised officers to contribute money for his personal activities.

“I never even ask any of my staff to be a party to anything I’m doing,” he said.

He added that he does not celebrate his birthday beyond prayers with staff in his office and does not involve officers in his church activities.

Documents obtained by the newspaper reportedly showed contributions totalling N616,000 from 58 officers, while another message directed personnel on beats to contribute N5,000 each.

Padonu promised to probe the allegations internally, saying, “I will do investigation on my own on that.”

His deputy rejected the allegations, calling the reports false.