Army vows to deal with serving soldier arrested for cultism

Nigerian army has vowed to deal with Igbavbou Lucky, a private in the Nigerian army, who was arrested over his alleged involvement in cultism.

Lucky was among the 103 suspects arrested and paraded by the Edo state police command at a press briefing.

The soldier was apprehended at Ekpoma, while celebrating his birthday with other suspected cult members.

He was reportedly dressed in a army camouflage trouser and vest at the time of his arrest.

In its reaction, the army said Lucky was deployed in the north-east but he deserted the army in January

Mohammed Maidawa, a captain and assistant director, army public relations, said the case is being investigated and appropriate sanctions will be taken at the end of the day

“The attention of Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army has been drawn to a media publication dated 23 March, 2019. In the said publication, it was alleged that Private Igbavbou Lucky was arrested and paraded by the State Police Command for occult activities,” the statement read.

“For emphasis, Nigerian Army (NA) is a professional organization with extant policies that regulates the conduct of its personnel. The NA does not allow any of its personnel to belong to any confraternity such as cult groups and related associations. Consequently, any of its personnel who crosses the red line in this regard will face the full rigour of military discipline.

“The alleged case of Private Igbavbou Lucky who was arrested is an isolated case. Additionally, it is germane to state that he is a deserter from 101 SF Bn in the North East of the country since January 2019. Thus, his conduct is a complete negation of the minimum behavioural conduct expected from a personnel of the Nigerian Army.  The general public should be rest assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated and the military justice system will take it course.”