'I didn't acquire Dubai property with looted funds', Army Chief insists

dimeji akinloye

July 5, 2017 9:19 AM

Buratai said the properties in question belong to his family, adding that they were acquired before he was appointed chief of army staff.

Chief of Army Staff,

He stated this during an interview on a BBC interview programme, Hard Talk, on Tuesday, July 4.

"Substantial property is just an investment; my family do their own private business. They should afford to have such property in Dubai," he said.

"The type of property you are talking about is not the ones people are talking about.

"The property I invested was far back as 2013 before I became the chief of army staff, I never dreamt of becoming the chief of army staff and people are accusing me as if it is today."

According to a report by Sahara Reporters in June 2016, Buratai allegedly bought a second choice property in Dubai days after his appointment as Chief of Army Staff.

The report alleged the Army Chief and his two wives in 2013 paid the sum of 1,498,534.00 AED (N120 million/$419,000) for the first property, Project TFG Marina Hotel Unit 2711.

Citing Sale documents, the report said the first property was handed over to the Buratais on January 13, 2013.

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On July 13, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Buratai as Chief of Army Staff.

It was alleged that within 11 days of his appointment, the general was making arrangements for the purchase of a second property from the same company in Dubai.

Buratai has since denied all the claims, insisting he invested in the property before he came into office.

dimeji akinloye