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Nigerian Army disgraces General out of service for N400m theft
BY EMMANUEL OGWU
The Nigerian Army Court Martial set up to try the former General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Sokoto, Major General Hakeem Oladipo Otiki has found him guilty on all five charges.
The Court Martial, presided by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Army, Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun at the Army Headquarters Mess, Abuja, passed judgment around midnight on Monday.
The Court Martial found him guilty of disobedience to service orders and theft of public property, among others; it also ordered his dismissal from service with disgrace and dishonour.
The Court also ordered lowering of his rank from Major General to Brig General and severe reprimand.
However, the sentences are subject to confirmation of the Army Council.
The Nigerian Army had in September 2019, inaugurated the General Court Martial to try Otiki, over N400 million allegedly stolen by soldiers under his command. The money which was supposed to be in the custody of the Finance Officer of the Division, was alleged to have been diverted by Otiki, while he was Commanding Officer of the Division.
READ: Army General faces Court Martial over stolen N400 million
It was allegedly stolen by five soldiers attached to his office, who bolted with it after they were instructed to deliver it to an important personality in Kaduna.
Daily Trust reports that Otiki’s lawyer appealed to the court for leniency, saying the accused had already returned the money for which he was being sentenced.