The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Enugu State Command has continued to harass and arrest security guards employed by private organisations in the state, despite a Federal High Court order barring the agency from forcing organisations to employ security guards only from private guard companies.
Allegations of Extortion
Several organisations, including Memphis Hospital in Enugu, have been affected by the NSCDC’s actions. The hospital’s director, Emeka Ohaegbulam, alleged that NSCDC operatives arrested three security staff of Memphis and demanded a fine of N200,000 each, which was paid into a private bank account. The hospital was also asked to pay an additional administrative fee of N2,000 per staff member before being released.
Court Judgment
In 2020, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled in a suit filed by Reiz Continental Hotel against the NSCDC and the Minister of Interior that organisations are not required to employ security guards from private guard companies. The court held that any person or corporate entity that employs more than one person to secure its private property is not necessarily required to engage the services of a Private Guard Company. The NSCDC Enugu Command seems not to be aware of this judgement.
NSCDC’s Response
The Deputy Commandant of Corps Intelligence of the Enugu State Command, Abdullahi Rogo, confirmed that the NSCDC had arrested security guards and imposed fines on organisations. He claimed that the law permits an individual or organisation having more than one security guard in uniform to register as a security company. Rogo also insisted that the fines were paid into the NSCDC’s account, despite evidence suggesting that the payments were made into a private bank account.
Impact on Organisations
The NSCDC’s actions have led to several organisations shutting down their security units or complying with the agency’s demands. Memphis Hospital has shut down its security unit after the incident, while other organisations have been forced to pay fines to secure the release of their staff.
