The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has refuted allegations that its officers were involved in the death of a Bolt driver in Benin.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, SC Efosa Egbebor, clarified that the officers in question were merely assisting the police with their investigation.
The denial follows the arrest of four NSCDC officers by the state police command, a move that came after Bolt drivers staged a protest over the driver’s death on Thursday.
Egbebor insisted that preliminary findings by the NSCDC at the command level indicated that its officers had no role in the tragic incident.
“Our boys did not kill anybody. The case is before the police, and we cannot be a judge in our own case,” he stated.
He explained that the incident stemmed from a verbal dispute between the Bolt driver and a customer at a hotel, which later escalated into a physical confrontation.
“The driver, who was allegedly beaten by the customer and his friends, later died,” Egbebor said.
According to him, NSCDC officers stationed at the hotel only intervened to restore order and did not harm the driver.
“We have sent our boys to the police to give them the necessary information they needed. We are cooperating fully with the police investigation,” he added.
Egbebor also dismissed reports that NSCDC officers were arrested, explaining that they voluntarily presented themselves to the police to aid the inquiry.
He emphasized that the NSCDC would not tolerate any form of misconduct and assured that due process would be followed.
“After the investigation has been concluded, we will know who and who went wrong. We are not going to back anybody or support anybody for any illegality.
“Whoever has broken the law will face the wrath of the law. That’s justice,” he said.
