By Remi Adebayo

The management of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has apologized, even as it strongly condemned the physical assault allegedly carried out by its personnel in Ekiti on popular gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele.

The NSCDC said such untoward attitude was unbecoming of an officer of the law.

Consequently, the Commandant General of the NDCDC, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi has ordered that all concerned officers be identified and summoned immediately to the National Headquarters for necessary disciplinary action.

NSCDC’s Director of Public Relations, DC Olusola Odumosu, who made the disclosure through a statement in Abuja on Thursday, added that the Corps has zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline and any atrocious behaviour inimical to the safety and security of the citizens.

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 statement reads in parts “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.”

The Commandant General therefore directed the Ekiti State Commandant to immediately 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 all 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.”

He pledged that the Corps will therefore leave no stone unturned in making sure that justice is served in the matter, promising that erring officers found culpable will be decisively dealt with to serve as deterrent to others.