The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the mystery surrounding the money allegedly stolen by five soldiers of the Nigerian Army.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Abubakar Nalarabe.
Moving the motion, Nalarabe said that the House needed to investigate the matter because the Army has admitted to be involved with the stealing of the undisclosed sum.
He noted that “The Nigeria Army in a press release signed by col. Sagir Musa the acting Director of Army Public Relations on the 15 July 2019 entitled, ”RE: Nigerian Soldiers on escort duty abscond with billions of naira.”
Quoting the army’s spokesperson further, The lawmaker explained that the men are with “operation Harbin Kunama III” based in Sokoto. Adding that they were detailed on the “11 July 2019 at about 1500 hours(3pm) to escort a VIP with a large amount of cash to kaduna, a distance of about 400 kilometers.”
“on arrival at the Nigeria Army Airstrip in Jaji the five personnel connived and allegedly disposed the VIP of the cash and absconded,” he said.
Nalarabe noted that the statement failed to state the exact amount and the owner of the said money.
He said, “The statement though admitting the incidence, refuted the exact amount carted away by the soldiers and also claimed ignorance of the exact amount, exonerating the 8th Division of the Nigeria Army and its GOC Major General H. O. Otiki.
“The Nigeria Army constituted a High Powered Committee to holistically, thoroughly and decisively investigate the sad incident for record and posterity. And reported to all Nigeria Army formations and units and the general public for awareness and possible arrest of the culprits.”
Nalarabe also listed the names of the soldiers involved in the scandal as: CPL Gabriel Oluwaniyi, CPL Mohammed Aminu, LCPL Commander Haruna, LCPL Oluji Joshua and LCPL Hayatudeen.
The lawmaker also questioned the wisdom behind ferrying huge amount of money through the road, while also raising question on the ownership and the source of the money.
The House consequently resolved to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the money.
The yet to be formed committee has four weeks to report back to the house.
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