The Ondo State Police Command has strongly refuted claims circulating in the media that Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the state were directed to contribute N39,000 each to support the deployment of personnel for the forthcoming local government elections in Lagos State.
In a statement released on Friday in Akure, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olufunmilayo Ayanlade, described the reports as “false, misleading, and an intentional misrepresentation of facts.”
According to Ayanlade, there was no directive or instruction issued mandating any financial contribution from DPOs or other officers regarding inter-state deployment.
“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,” she stated.
The spokesperson clarified that the redeployment of officers from Ondo and other neighbouring states to Lagos followed standard police operational protocols and was executed in line with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who aims 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.”
READ ALSO: 19 Arrested Over Cult Clash in Owo, Ondo Police Confirm
She emphasized that the Ondo Command had taken full responsibility for the logistics and welfare of its officers during the deployment, ensuring that no officer incurred personal expenses.
Ayanlade did not hold back in criticizing the authors of the report, accusing them of showing a “gross misunderstanding of internal police procedures” and spreading disinformation aimed at discrediting the force.
“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.
She urged the public to disregard the report entirely and reaffirmed the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to professionalism, transparency, and public trust in carrying out its responsibilities.
The Lagos local government elections, scheduled for later this month, have prompted increased security arrangements across the region, with police commands collaborating nationwide to ensure a peaceful process.