Army panel recommends compulsory retirement of two officers, one to face prosecution

dimeji akinloye

January 11, 2016 8:27 PM

Apart from the two officers recommended for immediate retirement, three are to lose their command and one was recommended for prosecution

Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai

The panel of inquiry set up by the Nigerian Army to probe allegations of unprofessional conduct of its officers during the 2014 governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states has recommended the compulsory retirement of two officers.

The panel made the recommendation in its report submitted on Monday, to the Chief of Army Staff at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

While presenting the report, the Chairman of the Inquiry Board, General Officer Commanding 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, noted that it placed advertorials in the media requesting for memoranda from the public before sitting commenced - he said a total of 23 officers and over 100 soldiers appeared before it as well as 62 civilians.

According to a statement released by the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel SaniKukasheka Usman, apart from the two officers recommended for immediate retirement, three are to lose their command and one was recommended for prosecution for receiving financial gratification.

READ: Ekiti Elections - Fayose, Obanikoro deny rigging allegations

“Other recommendations include placing 15 officers on watch list, 9 officers were to be further investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission over allegations leveled against them. While 6 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 counseling,” the statement read in part.

While receiving the report, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt-Gen. TY Buratai, appreciated the board for doing a thorough and objective job.

dimeji akinloye