By Faheem Lawal
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, has warned corps members serving in the state that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform does not confer immunity from criminal prosecution, urging them to shun cultism, substance abuse and all forms of criminal association.
The warning was issued yesterday when the Ogun State NYSC Coordinator, Adewuyi Omolabake Frances, led members of her executive management team on a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, Adewuyi commended the cordial relationship between the NYSC and the Ogun State Police Command. She particularly praised the Command for its care, mentorship and commitment to the holistic development of corps members posted to various police formations across the state.
She also applauded the Command’s proactive security measures aimed at safeguarding corps members in all local government areas of the state and pledged the Scheme’s continued cooperation with the police, especially in intelligence sharing and other areas of mutual interest.
Responding, CP Ojajuni warmly welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police Force to protect lives and property. He assured the visitors that the Command would continue to prioritise the safety and security of all residents of Ogun State, including corps members.
Addressing the corps members present during the visit, the Commissioner drew from his personal experience as a former corps member, urging them to make the most of the opportunities offered by the NYSC scheme to build character, resilience and leadership capacity.
He cautioned them against engaging in cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime and other criminal activities, stressing that wearing the NYSC uniform would not shield anyone from prosecution if found culpable of any offence.
“The NYSC uniform offers no immunity against criminal liability. Any corps member found to have violated the law will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
The Police Commissioner also introduced the delegation to the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), sensitising them to the devastating consequences of cultism, drug abuse and other social vices. He disclosed that the Command would soon embark on a statewide sensitisation campaign to deepen the reach of the POCACOV initiative across schools and communities in Ogun State.
CP Ojajuni further recalled the Command’s recent rescue of 18 corps members whose vehicle broke down at night along the Ogbere-Ijebu Ode axis, leaving them stranded in a vulnerable location. He said the successful operation underscored the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of every resident and visitor in Ogun State.
(The Sun)