Missing N400million: Army begins General Court Martial to try Major General Hakeem Otiki, GOC 8 Division

By Lawrence Audu

The Nigerian Army has commenced court-martial of former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Maj. Gen. Hekeen Otiki, for alleged diversion of N400,000 million security funds.

The Court Marshal which commenced Tuesday at the Command Headquarters Officer Mess, Asokoro, Abuja is being led by Lt. General Lamidi Adeosun, the Chief of Policy and Plans at Army Headquarters, and seven other Major Generals as members while Major A. Mohammed is the Judge Advocate.

The members are Major General AA Tarfa, Commander Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Major General John Malu, Commander, Nigerian Army Engineering Corps, Major General CT Olukoju, Director General, Nigerian Army Land Simulation Center, Major General CC Okonkwo, Special Adviser, Nigerian Army University, Biu, Major General Aguguo, Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Nigerian Army and Major General M Mohammed, former GOC 1 division, Kaduna.

While the prosecuting counsel is led by Major JS Obot, he is supported by Major I Suleiman, and Major Orumo.

The defence counsel for Major General Otiki has Barr Okechukwu Ajunwa, supported by Major Femi Oyebanji retired and Mr Ishaq Adekunle.

Disclosing the convening order for the General Court Martial, Lt. General Adeosun said, “I Lt. General TY Buratai, by the powers conferred on me as the Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, and pursuant to Section 131 Sub Section 201 of the Armed Forces Act, Cap 20, Laws of Nigeria 2004, hereby convene this General Court Martial to assemble at Army Headquarters Command Mess, Asokoro, Abuja on 17th September 2019.

The President said the proceedings will be guided by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Constitution 1999 as amended, the Armed Forces of Nigeria Act 2004, the Evidence Act, the Holy Bible, the Holy Quran and relevant authorities.