Army Panel Recommends Sacking of 5 Officers Over Rigging of Ekiti Election

The Nigerian Army Board of Inquiry submitted its report investigating the illegal and unprofessional conduct of some of its officers during the 2014 Ekiti and Osun State gubernatorial elections, and the 2015 general elections, to the Chief of Army Staff Lt. General TY Buratai on Monday.

The Board Chairman, Maj.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, said the report “made far reaching recommendations that will assist the Nigerian Army and the nation in the future.”

Gen. Oyebade also said, in a press release by Army spokesman, Col. S.K. Usman, that, "Two officers were recommended for compulsory retirement from the Nigerian Army, three were to lose their command and one was recommended for prosecution for the collection of financial gratification.”

He added that “other recommendations included; placing 15 officers on a watch list, 9 officers were to be further investigated by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) 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.”

Speaking with a SR, the Director of Defense Information, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, said, “the submission of this report shows that the Nigerian military is an institution of discipline.”

Abubakar added that the military is committed to having accountability in its ranks in line with expectations of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

It would be recalled that one of the witnesses to provide testimony to the Board of Inquiry was EkitiGate whistleblower Captain Sagir Koli. Cap. Koli, who provided testimony to the Board, secretly recorded a meeting between his superior Brigadier General Aliyu Momoh and top politicians from the PDP plotting to rig governor elections in Ekiti and Osun States. 

After releasing this audio, Cap. Koli fled the country in fear for his life.

According to the press release, General Buratai, “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 the Nigerian Army’s legal and administrative procedures.”

The Board questioned and received testimony from 23 officers, more than 100 soldiers, and 62 civilians.