The Ondo State Police Command has strongly denied reports alleging that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) were ordered to pay N39,000 each for the deployment of personnel to support the upcoming local government elections in Lagos State. The command described the claims as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
Reacting to the widespread reports, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, issued a statement on Friday in Akure dismissing the allegations. He categorically stated that no directive, verbal or written, was issued instructing police officers, including DPOs, to make financial contributions for election deployment.
According to DSP Ayanlade, the story making the rounds is not only baseless but also a complete distortion of standard police procedure. He clarified that inter-command cooperation is a routine operation in the Nigeria Police Force, especially during major events such as elections, and it does not involve officers footing the bill for their deployments.
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He assured the public that all deployments from Ondo to Lagos for the elections are being handled in line with the operational protocols established by the Inspector-General of Police. Officers have already been assigned to their respective duties without any monetary demands, and the entire process is fully sponsored and coordinated by the appropriate authorities within the force.
Ayanlade expressed disappointment that certain individuals would choose to misrepresent facts without seeking official clarification. He warned against attempts to undermine public confidence in the police, especially at a time when the force is focused on ensuring credible and peaceful elections.
He urged Nigerians to disregard the misleading reports and trust that the police remain committed to professionalism, transparency, and upholding public trust. The Ondo State Police Command, he added, will continue to maintain the highest standards in its operations and will not tolerate the circulation of fake news designed to create confusion or erode public confidence in its officers.
