Operatives Suspended For Shooting Doctors Car

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has concluded investigations into an allegation that two of its operatives harassed a medical doctor, Bekewari Sampou and shot at his car in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Corps set up a seven-man committee headed by NSCDC’s Head of Intelligence and Investigation Department, Deputy Commandant Anyanwu G.C  with the mandate to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident, which happened on April 28, involving two civil defenders, Akpoghomhe Jude and Ogodo Richman, generated concerns among members of the public.

The Corps set up a seven-man committee headed by NSCDC’s Head of Intelligence and Investigation Department, Deputy Commandant Anyanwu G.C  with the mandate to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The state Commandant, Mr. Desmond Agu, said following the report of the committee, Jude Akpogho, was indicted and was subsequently suspended from the corps.

He said the corps would never condone indiscipline especially the misuse of firearms by officers and men of NSCDC.

He said following the meeting between the executive members of the Nigerian Medical Association and the NSCDC, the corps resolved to compensate the victim.

Agu warned officers and men of the corps to desist from any act that could tarnish the image of NSCDC.

Receiving the award from the senior officers of the command, the commandant said it was an honour to be remembered for an award by IPIAY, whose membership cut across most African countries.

He asked members of the group to feel free and enjoy their stay insisting that the state and the country were highly secured.

“The NSCDC has helped immensely to keep the country safe. We are proactive in our approach to security matters and we will continue to contribute our quota to ensure that peace reigns in the country”, he said.

Referring to the corps as a peacemaker, he assured the visitors that the award would boost the morale of NSCDC to do more in the state in realising its mandate.

Earlier in his speech, the Head of Mission, Mr. David Christophe, described Agu as a rare gem, administrative icon, a man of outstanding understanding and a true son of Africa.

Christophe, who hails from Togo led other delegates, Kwase Kudjoe (Ghana), Esther Okeke (Cameroon), Gabriel Kamoya (Kenya), Semira Ikhina (Benin Republic) and Paul Mathew (Nigeria) to give the award to the commandant.

Christophe said the group was founded to identify selfless leaders, whose styles were in line with Pan-Africanism, and encourage them.

He said Agu had demonstrated sterling leadership qualities in his career through his contributions to the growth and development of the NSCDC.

Addressing Agu, he said: “Without fear of contradictions, you were found worthy to receive the youth Africa distinguished merit award as the most outstanding commandant in recognition to your immense contributions to nation-building and effective service delivery to NSCDC”.