The Ondo State Police Command has denied media reports alleging that Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, in the state were directed to contribute N39,000 each to facilitate the deployment of personnel for the upcoming local government elections in Lagos State.
In a statement issued on Friday in Akure, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olufunmilayo Ayanlade, described the reports as false, misleading, and an intentional misrepresentation of facts.
“The command wishes to state unequivocally that no such directive was given to any officer, nor were any DPOs compelled to make financial contributions toward any deployment,” Ayanlade said.
She explained that the deployment of police personnel from neighbouring commands, including Ondo, was in line with standard operational procedures and followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, to ensure adequate security before, during, and after the elections.
“Inter-command cooperation is a normal operational protocol within the Nigeria Police Force,” Ayanlade added. “This deployment reflects the IGP’s ongoing commitment to a transparent, accountable, and community-oriented policing system grounded in the rule of law.”
The spokesperson further clarified that the Ondo State Command had made all necessary logistical and welfare arrangements to facilitate the deployment of officers, many of whom have already arrived at their assigned posts without bearing any personal financial responsibility.
She criticized the report’s author for what she described as a “gross misunderstanding of internal police procedures” and accused them of deliberately spreading misinformation.
“The claims made are not only baseless and unfounded but also unprofessional and clearly aimed at misleading the public while tarnishing the integrity of the command,” she said.
Ayanlade urged the public to disregard the report in its entirety, reaffirming the command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and public trust in the performance of its duties.
