By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended one of its officers, Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) Onoja Babayo Samuel, over his alleged involvement in the shooting incident at Kubwa Market, Abuja, on October 25.
The Corps has also ordered an Orderly Room Trial and internal disciplinary proceedings to determine the officer’s level of culpability in the incident.
According to an official statement signed by the NSCDC Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the officer was arrested by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command for allegedly firing shots into the air during a confrontation with traders at the market.
The statement said the Corps management frowned at the alleged conduct, describing it as a gross violation of its rules of engagement and a misuse of firearms contrary to the Corps’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
It added that the alleged misconduct would attract appropriate sanctions, subject to the outcome of the disciplinary process.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who maintains zero tolerance for the misuse of firearms and other forms of professional misconduct, directed the immediate suspension of the officer and the commencement of the Orderly Room Trial.
As part of the disciplinary measures, Samuel has been stripped of all official responsibilities and relieved of his assignment pending the conclusion of proceedings by a committee at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.
The Corps said the outcome of the Orderly Room Trial and the internal disciplinary process would be made public upon conclusion.
Audi reassured members of the public of the Corps’ commitment to protecting lives and maintaining professional standards, stressing that the NSCDC would not tolerate or shield any officer whose actions jeopardise public safety or violate operational guidelines.
