Military Arrests Suspect for Allegedly Impersonating Retired Main Common

The Nigerian Military has arrested a person, recognized as Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, over allegations that he impersonated a retired Main Common and falsely introduced himself as a former senior officer of the Service.

In a press release issued by the Appearing Director of Military Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the Military mentioned preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was by no means commissioned into the Nigerian Military and didn’t attain the rank of Common or retire from the Service in any capability.

The assertion added that the suspect allegedly claimed to have attended the Nationwide Institute for Coverage and Strategic Research (NIPSS), Kuru, and to have been conferred with the nationwide honour of Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR). These claims, the Military mentioned, have been examined and located to be unsubstantiated.

In line with the Service, the suspect relied on the purported credentials in public representations, together with throughout courtroom proceedings the place he was described as a retired senior army officer.

The Military disclosed that in interrogation, media publications from two nationally recognised newspapers have been recovered, through which the person was known as a “retired Main Common.” It famous that such descriptions contributed to public perceptions about his claimed standing.

One on-line report described him as “Main Common AbdulRauf Tijjani (rtd)” in a go well with he instituted towards the Lagos State Authorities and different respondents, looking for N8 billion in damages. One other newspaper report dated November 9, 2020, equally referred to him as a retired Main Common whereas reporting on his enchantment towards the dismissal of the identical go well with, which a courtroom had earlier characterised as incompetent and an abuse of courtroom course of.

The Nigerian Military said that, primarily based on its official data, no retired officer bears the title Alhaji Tijjani Abdul Rauf, nor has any officer with that identification held the rank of Main Common or above.

Describing impersonation of army personnel as a critical offence, the Military mentioned such acts undermine public belief and the integrity of officers who’ve legitimately served the nation.

The Service reaffirmed its dedication to defending the integrity of its ranks, honours and establishments, including that it’s going to proceed to collaborate with related authorities to make sure that allegations of impersonation are completely investigated in accordance with the legislation.

It additionally suggested members of the general public to confirm claims of army standing by way of official channels and warned towards the unauthorised use of army uniforms, insignia and titles, noting that such actions are punishable below the legislation.

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Times Nigeria