Nigerian military dismisses Sunday Igboho’s spy claim

The Defence Headquarters on Saturday broke its silence on acclaimed Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho, saying that it is demeaning to allege that the Nigerian military can stoop so low to the extent of “spying” on him.

It comes after Igboho and his cohorts had in a viral video released on Friday alleged that “soldiers” sent by the Federal Government were seen doing a ‘survey’ of Sunday Igboho’s Soka residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

But responding to the allegations in a statement made available yesterday by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, stressed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, are highly professional in the discharge of their duties, with well-defined roles, responsibilities and duties in its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of the Nigerian Nation.

“While the Defence Headquarters has no interest dragging or joining issues with Sunday Adeyemo or his associates, it is pertinent to clear the air and address these allegations squarely.

“For the records, it should be noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, are highly professional in the discharge of their duties, with well-defined roles, responsibilities and duties in its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of the Nigerian Nation.

“As such, the Military cannot stoop so low to such extent to “spy” on one individual, as wildly and loosely alleged.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is a highly disciplined and professional organization with extant laws and regulations which guide the actions of its personnel in the conduct of their duties.

“As such, it is practically impossible for military personnel on official duty to conduct themselves in such manner as alleged by Adeyemo and his cohorts,” the statement read.

Onyeuko maintained that preliminary investigations so far revealed that one of the alleged “soldiers” is a serial impersonator, warning that individuals and groups should desist from disparaging the enviable reputation of the Nigerian Military.

He added, “For the avoidance of doubt, preliminary investigation has so far revealed that one of the alleged “soldiers” is a serial impersonator.

“Meanwhile credible eyewitnesses and sources have also revealed that some associates of Igboho went in pursuit of some individuals when the motorbike conveying the impersonator and one Nigerian Air Force personnel ran into them.

“The duo were immediately apprehended and taken to the said “IGBOHO House” at Soka before Ibadan toll gate where they were branded as spies. Furthermore, investigations are currently underway by Nigerian Airforce and the Nigerian Army to unravel the actual circumstances which played out on the day.

“The Defence Headquarters hereby warns individuals and groups to desist from disparaging the enviable reputation of the Nigerian Military by dragging it into its petty issues to gain political mileage. Such actions will not be condoned in the future.”

•Adapted from a Daily Trust report.