BREAKING: Army dismisses troopers who robbed Dangote refinery
The Nigerian Army, on Monday, mentioned it has dismissed two troopers, Corporal Innocent Joseph, and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani, accused of stealing armoured cables on the Dangote refinery on April 14, 2024.
The PUNCH had reported how the troopers entered the ability in an Acura jeep however have been caught on the firm’s major gate with 897 armoured cables that had been minimize to measurement.
Confirming their dismissal in a press release on Monday, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, famous that the 2 troopers have been discovered to have deserted their responsibility publish and “to be in unauthorized possession of the (897 armoured cables) materials,” and had since been handed over to related authorities for additional prosecution.
Nwachukwu mentioned, “In line with the Nigerian Army’s dedication to upholding excessive requirements of professionalism, integrity, and self-discipline, the NA needs to replace most of the people on the result of the investigation into the alleged theft of armoured cables on the Dangote Refinery premises on April 14, 2024, involving Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani.
“Sequel to an intensive investigation performed in collaboration with the administration of the corporate, the 2 troopers have been discovered to have deserted their responsibility publish and to be in unauthorized possession of the supplies.
“Subsequently, they have been each charged with Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable below part 57, sub-section (1), and Other Civil Offences punishable below part 114, sub-section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“They have been summarily tried. During the trial, the proof in opposition to them was introduced, and so they have been allowed to current their instances and defend themselves. They have been, nevertheless, discovered responsible of the fees levelled in opposition to them in accordance with army legal guidelines.
“As a demonstration of NA’s zero-tolerance for misconduct and criminality within its ranks, the two soldiers have been dismissed from the NA with immediate effect and handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution.”
Last week, Onyema mentioned the troopers who had been dismissed had been employed by a contractor recognized as Smart.
He famous {that a} preliminary investigation performed into the incident revealed that Smart knowledgeable the troopers that he wanted to retrieve some cables that had been left behind on the facility.
Onyema added that once they bought there, Smart sensed bother, then excused himself and left the scene.
