The Commandant-General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Abubakar Audi has vowed to get to the bottom of the alleged physical assault of physically-challenged popular gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele by an operative of the Corps.
The incident happened in a community in Iloro-Ekiti, Ijero-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State, when the musician was leaving the venue of an event where he had performed.
It was gathered that the yet-to-be-identified NSCDC officer allegedly attempted to take money from the physically challenged gospel musician’s car, an attempt that was immediately resisted by Ayefele.
The operative was said to have punched the musician in the mouth and also threatened to shoot him.
The NSCDC boss in a statement by the Director of Public Relations of NSCDC, Mr Olusola Odumosu and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, September 1, ordered a full-scale investigation of the incident with a view to ensuring disciplinary action is taken against the alleged officer.
Read the statement below.
“The attention of the management of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been drawn to the news circulating in the media on a case of alleged physical assault on a popular Nigerian gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele by an operative of the Corps.”
“The incident occurred in Iloro Ekiti, where Ayefele entertained guests at an event and the officer in question allegedly attempted to take money from his car but when resisted, he punched the singer in the mouth and also threatened to shoot him for refusing to give them money
“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps condemn in very strong terms such untoward attitude which is unbecoming of an officer of the law.
“The Corps under the leadership of Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, has zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline and any atrocious behaviour inimical to the safety and security of the citizens of this country
“We do not in anyway condone any act of recklessness, impudence or assault on any individual or group of persons nor Infringement on the fundamental human rights of citizens whether highly or lowly placed.
“Consequently, the Commandant General has ordered that all concerned officers be identified and summoned immediately to the National Headquarters for necessary disciplinary action
“He has directed the Ekiti State Commandant to without delay commence full scale investigation into the incident to establish the veracity of the allegation and the level of involvement and culpability of all the officers fingered in the matter.
“The Corps wishes to tender an unreserved apology to the renowned popular gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele, his followers, the Iloro Ekiti community and everyone affected by this condemnable and horrendous act which contradicts the Corps tenets, rules of engagement and standard operating procedure
“The Corps is a friendly force with “humility and integrity in service delivery” as its watchword. We are firm in the implementation of our mandate but Civil in orientation
“The Corps respects the fundamental human rights of every Nigerian citizens and friends of the country residing within its geographical space
“We will continue to work closely with the good people of this great country to ensure that their safety and security is not compromised
“The Corps will therefore leave no stone unturned in making sure that justice is served in this matter and erring officers found culpable be decisively dealt with to serve as deterrent to others.” the statement concluded.
Confirming the incident, the ace broadcaster and founder of Fresh FM Nigeria said, “I was moving out in my car after entertaining guests, the officer suddenly dipped his hand into my car to take my money but I resisted him and told him what he did was very wrong.
“That was how he gave me a punch on my mouth, I had cut on my lips and blood started gushing out. When I called my security detail to hold him he stood at the front of my car corking his rifle and threatening to shoot me.
“At that point, his colleagues came and I explained what he did to them. Why trying to shield him, they said why am I fighting them, that I am a public figure and don’t I want to give them something? I said if I didn’t want to give him something, I wouldn’t have stopped, or winded down my car. I have settled the area boys and others. I wept profusely because they did this to me because I am physically challenged.
“They later brought the guy who came to collect money for the area boys said to have been beaten while trying to take the money away, telling me to see how he was beaten and attacked him with sharp objects just to frame me up but I have put my lawyer in the know.”
