By Valentine Amanze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disowned an Ebonyi State indigene who was allegedly parading himself as a staff of the Corps.
It said that it has no record of him as an officer, according to a statement by its spokesperson, Ekunola Gbenga.
It stated: “I further state that the said name, “Mbam James,” is not contained in the database of the Corps and I am unable to provide any information on him.
“The attention of the Corps has been called to a report on section of media that the Ebonyi State Neighbourhood Security Watch has arrested one Mr. Mbam James who claimed to be a personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to Orumba Umunze in Anambra State and two other passengers he smuggled into the state with his motorcycle.”
The Corps also appreciated the members of the Ebonyi State Neighbourhood Security Watch for accosting and eventually arresting the impersonator, Mbam James, who was carrying two persons on his motorcycle coming to Abakaliki and was arrested at Timber Shade axis of Afikpo North Local Government Area, of the state.
It was, however, gathered that Mbam James was flagged down by members of Ebonyi State Neighbourhood Security Watch and he was asked to identify himself, which he could not provide Identity card nor Curfew /Movement /Emergency Pass.
When contacted on the issue, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state, Lucy Samu, said that she has no record of Mbam James and declared him an impersonator.
“However, we wish to place on record that the said Mr. Mbam James from all available records is not a staff of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
“Civil Defence under the able leadership of the Commandant General Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu is noted for discipline and exemplary behaviour with adequate machinery to check excesses and abuse,” she said.
Recall that the NSCDC boss had warned that
throughout the period of move restriction, all staff including those on escort duties traveling inter-states must notify their state Commandants and obtain a ‘permit’ to travel between states in the country.
He also disclosed that the suspect would be prosecuted in the court of law immediately he lives withholding centre in Ebonyi where he is being quarantined and expected to be tested for COVID-19.