From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The officers, according to a viral post, allegedly extorted N5.2 million from a group of young men travelling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State.
In a statement, the minister noted that any officer found guilty would face the full weight of the law.
“We will not tolerate any form of misconduct from our security agencies. We are building a paramilitary that is disciplined and professional to serve Nigeria and Nigerians with all sense of dignity and patriotism. In this case, we will see that justice is upheld and ensure that security personnel serve with forthrightness,” he said.
Nigeria scored 25 out of 100 points in the 2023 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), compared to 24 points in the 2022 CPI. Also, it ranks 145 out of 180 countries in 2023 compared to 150 on the 2022 CPI results.
The Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa, said activities that spiked the ranking include electoral corruption, judiciary corruption and security corruption.
“Nigeria’s 2023 general elections dashed the hopes of Nigerians who were hoping for a better electoral process despite the passing of the 2022 Electoral Act.
“According to the European Union (EU) Observation Mission, the 2023 general elections did not ensure a well-run transparent, and inclusive democratic process as assured by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).