The Ondo State Police Command has refuted claims that it directed Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to contribute N39,000 each for the deployment of personnel to Lagos State for the forthcoming local government elections.

 

 

 

Reacting to media reports, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, issued a statement on Friday, July 11, in Akure, describing the allegations as “entirely false, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to distort facts.”

 

 

 

 

According to Ayanlade, “The report is misleading and no such directive was ever issued, and at no time were officers compelled to make any financial contribution.”

 

 

 

 

He explained that the deployment of police personnel from neighbouring commands was in accordance with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive to ensure adequate security before, during, and after the election.

 

 

 

“The deployment of personnel from neighbouring commands was made in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate security before, during, and after the election,” he said.

 

 

 

He added that, “The inter and intra-command cooperation and collaboration was a standard practice within the Nigeria Police Force,” noting that the practice “also reflects the IGP’s commitment to a transparent, accountable, people-centered, and rule of law-compliant police service.”

 

 

 

Ayanlade stated that, “The Ondo State Police Command, in compliance with this directive, made all necessary logistical and welfare arrangements to ensure a seamless deployment. A large number of officers have already reported at their assigned posts without any personal financial burden.”

 

 

 

 

 

Criticising the report’s author, Ayanlade said, “It is unfortunate that the author of the false report continues to wallow in ignorance of police procedures and has chosen to glorify misinformation instead of seeking the truth. His claims are false, unfounded, and unprofessional, aimed only at misleading the public and discrediting the Command’s integrity.”

 

 

 

He urged members of the public to ignore the reports entirely, reiterating the command’s commitment to high standards of conduct. “The command remains committed to upholding professionalism, transparency, and public trust in the discharge of its duties,” he said.