The alleged assault on gospel musician Yinka Ayefele by members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been denounced.
A corps representative is alleged to have physically assaulted Yinka Ayefele at a gathering in Iloro, Ekiti state.
According to accounts, the musician allegedly refused an officer’s effort to remove money from his car, which is how the confrontation got started.
The policeman reportedly punched the singer in the mouth after becoming enraged by his behavior. Moreover, he allegedly threatened to shoot him for defying their demands for payment.
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…
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“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 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.