The Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police says its personnel have taken into custody, the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 8 Division Sokoto, Major General Hakeem Otiki, at its Abuja offices.
Sources said the Special Investigative Bureau (SIB) of the corps had extended an invitation to General Otiki to answer questions about the funds allegedly stolen by soldiers under his command.
Recall that about five soldiers, a week ago, absconded with the money said to be over 600 million while on escort duty from Sokoto to Kaduna.
The Army gave the names of the runaway soldiers as Cpl. Gabriel Oluwaniyi, Cpl. Mohammed Aminu, LCpl. Commander Haruna, LCpl. Oluji Joshua, and LCpl. Hayatudeen.
Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, Defence spokesman, on Tuesday, during a press conference confirmed that the circumstances of the stolen funds are being investigated, but declined to give further details.
Col Nwachukwu said the public would be informed about the findings of the investigation.
However, Daily reports that the former GOC is being quizzed to provide proof that the funds were not diverted from the operational logistics for the Division, including troop’s allowances.
He is also expected to respond to allegations that he received money on behalf of the Division from Non-Governmental Organizations, the state government and politicians, which he allegedly diverted.
The new Division 8 was established at the location that used to be the School of the Deaf in Sokoto state, donated to the Nigerian Army by the State government, and now serves as divisional headquarters and adjoining officer’s quarters.
