The Nigerian Army has dismissed two soldiers from the NA with immediate effect for the alleged theft of armoured cables at the Dangote Refinery premises in Lagos State on 14th April 2024.
The soldiers Corporal Innocent Joseph and Lance Corporal Jacob Gani who were handed over to relevant authorities for further prosecution were contracted by a contractor identified as Smart had entered the facility in an Acura jeep but were caught at the company’s main gate with 897 armoured cables that had been cut to size.
According to Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations on Monday, a thorough investigation conducted in collaboration with the management of the company, the two soldiers were found to have abandoned their duty post and to be in unauthorized possession of the materials.
Subsequently, they were both charged with Failure to Perform Military Duties punishable under section 57, sub-section (1) and Other Civil Offences punishable under section 114, sub-section (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20, the Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
They were summarily tried. During the trial, the evidence against them was presented and they were allowed to present their cases and defend themselves, but were however found guilty of the charges levelled against them by military laws.
