News
Military debunks reports of detaining civilian in TRADOC
By Francesca Hangeior
The Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army (TRADOC NA), has denied allegation of illegal detention of a civilian by the command’s Military Police (MP) in Minna Military Cantonment.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for TRADOC, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, dismissed the allegation in a statement on Friday.
Uba said the allegation published by an online medium on Wednesday had alleged that some officers of TRADOC connived, arrested and detained a civilian on the ‘Orders of the Commander’, over suspicion that he wanted to defraud a food vendor.
He said it was important to address the misinformation that sought to undermine the integrity of both TRADOC NA, its leadership and the entire personnel of the command.
“It is essential to set the records straight as to what transpired between Miss Lynda Moses (one of the food vendors in TRADOC Officers Mess) and the man Deekae Sunday Kiaka (a dismissed NAF personnel) of the Nigerian Airforce Base in Minna.
“Investigation revealed that Miss Lynda Moses had reported a case to the Military Police (MP) in Minna Military Cantonment sometimes in September 2024 of theft against one fake Sgt Deekae Sunday of the NAF Base in Minna.
“She alleged that the sum of N1.1 million was withdrawn from her First Bank Account.
“On receipt of the case, the MP was able to arrest the suspect on Oct. 6 since the offence was committed in Minna Cantonment when the suspect visited the victim at her business place.
“Upon investigation it was discovered that the accused was a dismissed personnel of the NAF Minna.
“Investigation further revealed that the accused has been impersonating as a serving ‘Sgt’ in the NAF whereas had since been dismissed from the NAF over a similar fraudulent crime in the past,” he said.
Uba said that the suspect further confessed that he came to TRADOC officers’ Mess to see Miss Lynda Moses where he requested for her mobile phone to play game, to keep himself busy while Lynda was attending to her customers at her sales point in TRADOC Mess.
According to him, during interrogation, the suspect pleaded that the matter should be resolved by MP in Minna Military Cantonment and should not be taken to Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
He added that the suspect also signed an undertaking to refund the stolen money while the MP asked him to get a surety to perfect the undertaking.
According to Uba, the accused requested that his cellphone should be given to him to call someone (who turned out to be another of his fiancé), one Miss Chiwendu Nnadozie, a reporter with Daily Independent in Niger.
“When Miss Chinwendu Nnadozie was invited at MP office in the Cantonment, she introduced herself as fiance to the accused and accepted to stand as a surety to the accused.
“The acceptance of Nnadozie confirmed that the accused was double dealing in terms of marriage, promised to marry the two ladies at the same time.
“These allegations represent a calculated attempt by a felon to deliberately tarnish the good reputation of TRADOC NA and its leadership,” he added.
The spokesman said it was expected that the media outlet (Independent Nigeria) to have thoroughly verified the claims before publication as well as adhering to journalism ethics.
According to him, this unprofessional conduct could be a huge disappointment to journalism profession.
He assured that the case would be handed over to the police for possible prosecution on completion of the ongoing MP investigation.
“As we work together towards achieving the security, peace and development of our beloved nation, we expect all personnel of TRADOC to maintain discipline and sustain their unalloyed commitment in achieving the objectives of the command.
In a move to foster skills acquisition and promote economic empowerment, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Education Secretariat through the Department of Mass Education has flagged off a one-week free holiday vocational and entrepreneurship training program.
The program is a collaborative initiative of the FCT Department of Mass Education, The Potter’s Wheel Foundation, and the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo emphasized the Importance of skills acquisition and entrepreneurship in today’s world describing it as imperative to be self reliant , empowered and resourceful.
He highlighted the Wike- led FCT Administration’s commitment to championing the Renewed Hope Agenda adding that the initiative is a critical strategy for reducing unemployment and building resilience among Abuja residents through practical skill acquisition and entrepreneurship training.
He commended the Department on the synergy between the government and non-governmental organizations noting that it will further empower the people of the FCT with skills and knowledge that lead to viable income-generating opportunities.
He urged the participants to fully utilize the opportunity, network actively and apply themselves diligently to the various training sessions.
In her welcome address,Dr. Favour Edem -Nse,the Director, FCT Department of Mass Education said,the training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) and contributes significantly to reducing the number of out- of- school children, unskilled youths and unemployed women in the Federal Capital Territory.
She added that, the Department goal is not just to train but to guide participants towards becoming self – sufficient and successful entrepreneurs .
She noted that the one week free training program is a manifestation of the Department ‘s broader vision of literacy and lifelong learning.
She revealed that the Department in collaboration with The Potter’s Wheel Foundation and the Nigerian Non- Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services( NOGALSS) will train them hands on session in production of laundry soap,bleach , liquid soap, toilet and car wash , disinfectant,air freshener,snack among others as well as key entrepreneurship modules on Bookkeeping and financial management, marketing and branding with social media management.
She expressed her gratitude to the Mandate Secretary for Education and the Management for the massive support of the life changing opportunity program targeted at women,youths, children and other community residents to equip them with tools for economic self reliance .
The well attended program which drew partner organizations, staff of the Department of Mass Education and enthusiastic participants will run throughout the week with facilitators providing continued support beyond the training period.
A 28-year-old electrician, whose name has not been revealed, has been electrocuted in Oyo State at Eruwa in Ibarapa East of Oyo State.
The victim was electrocuted at the Odo Babaode area of the town.
The man was electrocuted on a high-tension cable belonging to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
The incident occurred when the victim was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without being shut down from the feeder.
The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Service, Mr Yemi Akinyinka, who confirmed the development, said a distress call was received by the agency Wednesday afternoon.
He said, “The distressed call was reported at 15:29hrs on Wednesday, 23rd April, 2025.
“The fire personnel led by PFS1 Peluola Babatunde quickly followed the caller and on arrival at the place, we met the victim already electrocuted, and all necessary precautionary measures were observed so as to safeguard the citizens within the vicinity.
“The man was recovered and handed over to a team of police from Eruwa police Station. The incident occurred when the victim (electrician) was trying to rectify an electrical fault on the active power lines without shutting down the feeder.”
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