FROM MIJINYAWA BABA- UTHMAN,MINNA
The Headquarters of Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), has responded to an unfounded allegation published by Independent Nigeria on Wednesday, 16 October 2024. The report alleged that TRADOC NA officers conspired to arrest and detain a civilian on the "orders of the Commander" over suspicions that the civilian intended to defraud a food vendor, who was both his girlfriend and business partner.
In a release by the Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, TRADOC NA typically avoids engaging with such baseless claims. However, it became necessary to clarify this misinformation, which seeks to tarnish the integrity of the command, its leadership, and its personnel.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba further stated that it is important to clarify the incident involving Miss Lynda Moses, a food vendor at the TRADOC Officers' Mess, and Mr. Deekae Sunday Kiaka, a dismissed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel.
According to the statement, an investigation revealed that Miss Moses had reported a case of theft to the Military Police (MP) at the Minna Military Cantonment in September 2024. She accused Mr. Kiaka of fraudulently withdrawing one million, one hundred thousand naira from her First Bank account. After receiving the complaint, the MP arrested the suspect on 6 October 2024, as the offence had occurred within the Minna Cantonment when Mr. Kiaka visited Miss Moses at her place of business. The investigation further revealed that Mr. Kiaka had been dismissed from the NAF for a similar fraudulent act and had been impersonating a serving Sergeant.
"Mr. Kiaka admitted that on 25 September 2024, he visited Miss Moses at the TRADOC Officers' Mess and borrowed her phone to play a game while she attended to her customers," the statement reads.
Lieutenant Colonel Uba also explained that during questioning, Mr. Kiaka requested that the case be settled within the MP office in Minna Military Cantonment and not handed over to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). He provided a written commitment to repay the stolen money and was instructed to provide a surety. Mr. Kiaka then used his phone to contact another fiancée, Miss Chinwendu Nnadozie, a reporter for Daily Independent in Niger State.
"When Miss Nnadozie was invited to the MP office, she introduced herself as Mr. Kiaka's fiancée and agreed to serve as his surety. This revealed that Mr. Kiaka had been engaged in deceptive relationships, promising marriage to both Miss Moses and Miss Nnadozie," Uba stated.
The allegations represent a calculated attempt by a known fraudster to damage the reputation of TRADOC NA and its leadership. TRADOC NA expected Independent Nigeria to verify its claims thoroughly before publication, adhering to journalistic ethics. Such unprofessional behavior undermines the credibility of the journalism profession.
"Once the Military Police completes its investigation, the case will be handed over to the Police for potential prosecution."
Lieutenant Colonel Uba reaffirming that TRADOC NA remains committed to ensuring security, peace, and development in Nigeria. All personnel are encouraged to maintain discipline and uphold their unwavering commitment to the command's objectives.
