NYSC Uniform Not a Shield Against the Law, Ogun CP Warns Corps Members

…Says service year is for character building, not criminality

By Our Correspondent, Abeokuta

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, has issued a firm warning to corps members serving in the state: the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) uniform is not a licence to break the law, neither does it confer any immunity from criminal prosecution.

Ojajuni gave the admonition on Monday while playing host to the Ogun State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Adewuyi Frances, and her management team, who were on a strategic courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta .

A statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the visit aimed to strengthen the synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the NYSC, and reinforce joint efforts to guarantee the safety and welfare of corps members across the state’s 20 local government areas .

No Immunity for Wrongdoing

Addressing corps members present during the visit, CP Ojajuni recalled his own experience as a former corps member, urging them to seize the opportunity of the service year to build character, cultivate discipline, and develop leadership skills .

However, he drew a hard line on criminal conduct, warning them to steer clear of cultism, substance abuse, cybercrime, and other social vices. His message was unequivocal: the NYSC uniform does not shield anyone from the full weight of the law.

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“The NYSC uniform offers no immunity against criminal liability should an infraction be established against anyone,” Ojajuni declared .

“Any corps member found to have violated the law will face the full weight of the law,” he warned, charging them to remain exemplary ambassadors of the scheme, their families, and the nation .

Collaboration and Sensitisation

The NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Adewuyi, had earlier commended the police command for its proactive security measures, mentorship, and care for corps members posted to various police formations across the state. She pledged continued cooperation with the police, particularly in intelligence sharing .

In response, CP Ojajuni reaffirmed the constitutional mandate of the Police Force to protect lives and property, assuring that corps members would continue to enjoy robust security coverage .

As part of non-kinetic measures to prevent crime, the Commissioner introduced the delegation to the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV). He described it as a community-driven initiative designed to redirect youths from crime through value re-orientation. He disclosed plans for a statewide sensitisation campaign to deepen the reach of the programme in schools and communities .

Rescue of Stranded Corps Members

Recalling a recent incident, CP Ojajuni noted the Command’s swift response that led to the safe rescue of 18 corps members whose vehicle broke down at night along the Ogbere-Ijebu Ode axis—a notorious black spot .

“That successful operation underscores our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of every resident and visitor in Ogun State,” he stated .

He urged the NYSC management to maintain strict regulatory oversight, emphasising that discipline among corps members is essential to raising upright and responsible citizens .

Meanwhile, the warning from the Ogun CP aligns with the stance of the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, who earlier this year reminded corps members that they remain citizens bound by Nigerian laws, including social media and cybercrime statutes. Nafiu stressed that the NYSC does not provide legal representation for corps members involved in criminal offences, and that any corps member found culpable of cyberbullying or other online misconduct would be arrested and prosecuted .