The real reasons why the Nigerian Army dismissed 38 senior officers in June this year have emerged, Premium Times reports.
According to documents filed by the Army in court, at least 22 of the officers were dismissed for allegations ranging from illegal sale of military vehicles, money laundering, corruption, arms procurement and on disciplinary grounds.
Major General, Nwokoro Ijioma was accused of the “illegal sale of 17 military vehicles.”
Major General Ohifeme Ejemai and Brigadier General A.S. Saad were compulsory retired for “fraud and money laundering”.
Another Brigadier General, LM Bello was retired for “arms procurement (fraud)/ distortion and partisanship”.
Three other Brigadier Generals, A. Onibasa, D. Abdulsalam, and Idam Agachi were let go because they “engaged in acts of corruption.”
Others were retired for “partisanship” during elections while some were dismissed on “disciplinary grounds”.
According to some of the officers, who are challenging the Army’s decision, they said they were never indicted by any panel, but the Army authorities went ahead to dismiss them.
In a letter dated July 16 by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin, to President Muhammadu Buhari, the 22 officers complained that Army authorities breached laws in ending their careers abruptly.
21 of the officers are praying that President Buhari looks into their appeal and reinstate them into the Army, while Major General Ohifeme Ejemai wants his compulsory retirement reduced to voluntary retirement.
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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