EFCC ‘to investigate’ 9 army officers for corruption

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will investigate nine army officers indicted by a military panel set up to probe the complicity of soldiers in gross malfeasance in the 2015 general election.

According to Sani Usman, army spokesman, the panel recommended two officers for compulsory retirement, and one officer for prosecution for receiving bribe.

The Nigeria army had set up a board of inquiry following petitions and allegations of unprofessional and partisan conduct against some of its officers and soldiers during the 2015 elections, and in the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections last year.

“The board after a thorough job has today, Monday 11th January 2016, submitted its report to the chief of army staff at the army headquarters, Abuja,” Usman said.

“Submitting the report, the chairman of the board, Major-General Adeniyi Oyebade, the general officer commanding one division, Nigerian army, stated that the board placed advertorials in the media requesting for memoranda from the public before they commenced sitting. In all, he stated that 23 officers and over 100 soldiers appeared before it, as well as 62 civilians.

“The board had made far-reaching recommendations that would assist the Nigeria army and the nation in the future. He further added that; two officers were recommended for compulsory retirement from the Nigeria army, three were to lose their command and one was recommended for prosecution for collecting financial gratification. Other recommendations include placing 15 officers on watch list, nine officers were to be further investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission over allegations levelled against them. While six officers were to face an audit committee and 62 officers (mostly of the rank of Majors-below) were to be given letters of displeasure and to appear before their respective general officers commanding for counselling.

“General Oyebade also commended an officer, Captain Sagir Koli for non-partisanship and professional conduct during the election period.

“He thanked the Nigerian army for the opportunity to serve and reiterated the board’s members’ willingness to serve when called upon for any other such assignment. He also acknowledged the support and cooperation they received from the Nigerian police and other security agencies, as well as the general public.

“In his remarks while receiving the report, the chief of army staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, thanked the board for a thorough and dispassionate job devoid of influence from any quarters.

“He expressed delight that the board, knowing the gravity and implication of their report on the careers of officers and impact on the Nigerian Army, discharged their assignment diligently and professionally. He assured them that the report would be reviewed accordingly, in line with Nigerian army’s legal and administrative procedures.

“The chief of army staff also enjoined members of the board to share knowledge acquired in the course of their assignment with their colleagues for the benefit of the Nigeria army and the nation. He further reiterated assurances that the Nigeria army would continue to remain professional and apolitical in the discharge of its responsibilities.”