The Nigerian Army says it has arrested a man identified as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf for allegedly impersonating a retired major general.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Appolonia Anele, acting
director of army public relations, said preliminary investigations showed that
the suspect was never commissioned into the Nigerian Army and did not attain
the rank of general or retire from the service.
Anele said the suspect also falsely claimed to have attended
the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, and to
have received the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal
Republic (OFR).
“All these claims have been conclusively confirmed to be
entirely false and fabricated,” she said.
The army said the suspect used the alleged false credentials
to intimidate civilians and to command undue respect and influence, including
during court proceedings where he presented himself as a retired senior
military officer.
Anele said media reports published in two national
newspapers were recovered during interrogation, in which the suspect was
repeatedly described as a retired major general.
“One of such reports falsely identified him as ‘Major
General AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)’ in a suit instituted against the Lagos State
Government and other respondents, in which he sought ₦8 billion in damages,”
she said.
“Another report dated 9 November 2020, also referred to him
as a ‘retired major general’ while detailing his appeal against the dismissal
of the same suit, which the court had earlier described as a gross abuse of
court process and incompetent in law.”
The army said no retired officer of the Nigerian Army bears
the name Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with such identity ever
held the rank of major general or above.
“We strongly condemn this act of impersonation, which
constitutes a grave offence, undermines public trust and tarnishes the honour
and integrity of officers who have genuinely served the nation with
distinction,” Anele said.
She said the army would continue to collaborate with
relevant authorities to ensure that impostors and fraudsters are brought to
justice.
“Members of the public are hereby urged to verify claims of
military status through appropriate channels and report any suspicious
representations to security agencies,” she added.
“Law abiding citizens are therefore warned on the dangers of
impersonation or use of military uniforms and badges by unauthorized persons.
We shall not hesitate to subject any individual engaged in such act to the full
wrath of the law.”
Anele said the army remains committed to upholding
professionalism, integrity, and accountability in the defence of the country.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com