The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the arrest of some of Civil Defenders serving in its Provost Unit and to appear before a disciplinary committee for assaulting a middle-aged man, accused of stealing the manhood of two persons at the Sauka area of Abuja.
The decision followed a response to a trending video posted by LEADERSHIP on its social media handles, showing some NSCDC personnel manhandling the man at the premises of the Corps national headquarters in Abuja.
The Service spokesperson, CSC Babawale Afolabi, who spoke exclusively to LEADERSHIP correspondent on the incident, acknowledged that the officers acted unprofessionally, adding that the NSCDC CG, who frowned at the development would not tolerate such overzealous and unprofessional act from his officers, who are supposed to be civil in their dealings with the public.
He said, “the management of the Corps is aware and embarrassed that the ugly incident has sparked widespread condemnation from concerned Nigerians who hold the integrity of the Corps high, that is why the CG called for the arrest of the officers involved for questioning and thereafter, necessary action.”
Afolabi, who reiterated that the NSCDC has commenced investigation into the assault of the victim, assured that the errant Civil Defenders may not escape punishment as the incident has tarnished the admired integrity of the NSCDC.
“Be rest assured that all the officers fingered in the unprofessional conduct will be dealt with accordingly,” the NSCDC spokesman added.
Meanwhile, a civil society organisation (CSO), The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), has urged the Federal Government to step into the matter and arrest and prosecute the officers of the NSCDC, who assaulted the unnamed man for allegedly stealing the manhood of two other persons in Abuja.
While making reference to the disturbing video of the incident posted by LEADERSHIP, the group said the officers of the NSCDC could be seen beating and brutalising the man and commanding him to ‘return it’ (the manhood) without verifying the claim of theft whether it was true or not.
According to a statement signed by the leader of the group, Leo Igwe, at the weekend, a copy of which was sent to LEADERSHIP, he said: “They slapped him several times and hit him with sticks and hard objects. The man’s face was swollen, and blood was gushing out. The AfAW contacted the NSCDC office via whatsapp, and someone responded: ‘I hope you do not intend to drag the Corps to court over this video o?’
“‘The AfAW contact wondered why the NSCDC officers behaved this way, and mistreated the man. The NSCDC officer responded: “HMM you know this is Africa where it is difficult to get people, even so-called educated and well-trained people to think and approach issues scientifically. Most Africans cannot separate themselves from their superstitious beliefs, traditions, and all such stuff.’
“But this should not be a justification for this horrific abuse. This should rather be a reason to ensure that these erring officers are penalized to teach others a lesson. All Africans are not superstitious in their beliefs and behaviours. There are ‘Africans’ who think critically and scientifically. And those Africans should rally against allegations of penis disappearance and other superstition-based abuses.
“To this end, the Advocacy for Alleged Witches calls on the government to arrest and prosecute all NSCDC officers who assaulted this innocent man in the video. The government should ensure that these officers answer for their crimes. It was painful and heartbreaking to watch as officers hit, kicked, and maltreated a man they were trained and paid to protect and defend.
“The NSCDC officers acted unprofessionally, and against the law. They did not make efforts to confirm the allegations. The officers did not verify or try to ascertain if the manhood was stolen as claimed. Nigerian authorities should ensure that this incident never repeats itself anywhere.
“There is no evidence that people’s private organs or breasts are stolen, or can magically disappeared or be disappeared as popularly believed. These claims are baseless and superstitious. The police have warned the public against making these false allegations and engaging in mob actions.
“The NSCDC and other state agencies should address this institutional failure. They should organize programs to reorient their officers and ensure that they carry out their duties as required by the law, not as dictated by their religions, beliefs and superstitions. These programs would enable their officers conduct themselves more professionally when confronted with similar cases,” the AfAW leader stated.
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