The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed allegations published by an online news platform accusing the agency of bribery and unlawful detention, describing the reports as false, malicious and misleading.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Command said the briefing was necessary to correct what it described as a “dangerous distortion of facts” contained in reports alleging that the Corps detained a corps member for 65 days while demanding a “Commandant’s charge” of ₦1.4 million, and that a 69-year-old man was held for 89 days unless he paid ₦10 million.
The FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, said the claims were part of efforts by individuals under investigation to discredit the agency and obstruct ongoing criminal proceedings.
According to him, the individual described in the report as a detained corps member, Joseph Nanmwa Philips, 27, from Plateau State, is not a legitimate member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) but an alleged impostor who forged a call-up letter to fraudulently secure placement at the International Model Science Academy in Kwali, a subsidiary of the National Mathematical Centre.
The Command said Philips was arrested by NSCDC operatives in Kwali on February 6, 2026, following complaints of impersonation, forgery and cyber-related offences.
Investigators alleged that the suspect hacked and impersonated officials of the National Mathematical Centre on social media platforms, using the fake identity to deceive unsuspecting parents.
The Command explained that after preliminary investigations, Philips was transferred to the FCT Command headquarters on February 9, where he was interrogated and granted bail the same day in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.
However, officials said the suspect remained in custody because he was unable to meet the bail conditions, particularly the requirement to provide a credible surety. Consequently, the Corps obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 to legally detain him pending the conclusion of investigations.
The NSCDC also rejected claims that it demanded ₦1.4 million for the suspect’s release, clarifying that the amount referenced in the report was allegedly money collected fraudulently from parents.
According to the Command, investigations revealed that Philips allegedly obtained about ₦1.3 million from several parents under the pretext of registering their children for a Cambridge University scholarship programme.
He was also accused of cloning email addresses linked to University of Cambridge and sending fabricated confirmation messages to parents to make the scheme appear legitimate. The suspect allegedly collected additional funds for extra lesson teachers and study materials purportedly required for the scholarship examination.
The Command said exhibits recovered from the suspect included an NYSC uniform, a forged call-up letter and documents indicating financial transactions between him and parents who claimed to have been defrauded.
The NSCDC further alleged that the individual who submitted the allegations to the online platform, identified as Chimezie Otuojo, is also a suspect currently on administrative bail in a separate case involving alleged threat to life and assault reported by his neighbour.
According to the Command, Otuojo resorted to “blackmail and misinformation” against the Corps after becoming aware of investigations involving him.
On the separate claim that the Corps detained a 69-year-old man for 89 days and demanded a ₦10 million “Commandant’s fee,” the NSCDC said the allegation was equally unfounded.
The Command explained that the case originated from a petition filed by TroBell Minerals Limited over alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence involving about ₦217 million.
It added that following investigations, the suspect was charged before the Federal High Court, and his detention was based on a valid remand order issued by a competent court.
The Corps also dismissed claims that nine suspects paid ₦1 million each to secure bail, reiterating that bail within the organisation is free and that officers are bound by strict professional and ethical standards.
The NSCDC warned that it reserves the right to seek legal redress against individuals or organisations publishing unverified claims capable of damaging the integrity of the Corps.
While reaffirming its respect for the role of the media in a democratic society, the Command urged journalists to verify allegations with relevant authorities before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.
It also assured residents of the FCT of its continued commitment to protecting lives, property and critical national assets.
