The General Court Martial (GMC) established by the Nigerian Army to try the General Officer Commanding 8 division, Sokoto Major Gen Hakeem Oladapo Otiki has found the senior officer guilty on all five counts and ordered his removal from service with disgrace and dishonour.
The Court presided by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Army, Lt. Gen Lamidi Adeosun found Major General Otiki Guilty of disobedience to service orders, theft of public property among others.
The GCM melted out the following punishment among others against the erring Major, dismissal from service with disgrace and dishonor, reduction in rank from General to Brig. General, and several others.
The court also directed that 135.8 million, recovered by the special investigation bureau be returned to the accounts of the Nigerian Army.
It also ordered the General to return another 150million stolen money which could not be accounted for.
The lead counsel representing the Major, Barr. Israel Olurundare SAN, begged the court on his client’s behalf, he asked for the GCM to tamper justice with mercy.
The Senior Advocate told the court that the General had done some good for the Army. He reminded the court that the General was the one who help the Army get an NNPC licence and also tackled criminality in Lagos state.
The Barr. also told the court that the General had already returned the some of 100 million naira to the authorities which was stolen by the Soldiers detailed to escort the money to Kaduna.
However, the sentence was still given, but the Barr. noted the council that he would take the matter to the appropriate authority, on the grounds that the Major General didn’t steal the money, rather he was the one who gave the information about the stolen money.
