The Nigerian Army Headquarters has commenced an investigation into corruption allegations against the immediate past Commander of the 3 Brigade Kano, Brig. Gen. M.A. Sadiq.
Our correspondent gathered that the general was dismissed following accusations of withholding benefits meant for his subordinates, along with other allegations of misappropriation during his tenure as commander.
A military source told our correspondent that the general remains in custody and that the investigation into the allegations is ongoing.
“Brigade matters are strictly handled by the Army Headquarters and not the Defence Headquarters as being speculated. The general in question has been removed following allegations by some soldiers that he was withholding some of the entitlements meant for them, among other things. He was invited for questioning and is still in custody,” the source said.
When contacted, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, referred our correspondent to the Director of Army Public Relations.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that the general was undergoing a military investigation into “administrative discrepancies.”
He said, “The immediate past Commander of the 3 Brigade Kano, Brig. Gen. M.A. Sadiq, is currently undergoing a military investigation into administrative discrepancies during his time as Commander of the 3 Brigade. Consequently, the senior officer has been relieved of his command to ensure a thorough investigation.”
He added that as a service that has zero tolerance for indiscipline, actions that would undermine the integrity of the Army would not be condoned.
“The Nigerian Army, being a self-regulatory institution founded on the bedrock of discipline, justice, and accountability, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and will, therefore, not condone any form of misconduct or illicit actions and inactions that could undermine the threshold of its values and principles,” Nwachukwu said.
He assured that the allegations against Sadiq would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate sanctions would be taken if he is found guilty.
“The Nigerian Army assures both our internal and external publics that the allegations will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate administrative action will be taken. Our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and transparency remains unwavering.
“We guarantee that the process will be fair, impartial, and in line with our established procedures,” he said.
By Solomon Odeniyi and Ted Odogwu @PUNCH
