The Nigerian Army has dismissed a soldier, Lance Corporal Kenewenimo Lokoja (12NA/67/3446), for stealing a colleague’s phone, Chronicles Reporters has learned.
A source revealed that Lokoja, recently promoted to the rank of Corporal, was due to be decorated with his new rank just days before his dismissal. However, the incident occurred while he was attending an army-sponsored training course.
“He was dismissed a day before his decoration as a Corporal for stealing a phone while on course,” the source stated.
This development adds to a string of misconduct cases involving Nigerian soldiers. A few months ago, Chronicles Reporters exclusively reported an incident in Enugu where Private Yahaya Sani stabbed his colleague, Private Aliyu Musa, over an allegation of phone theft.
Sani, attached to the 74 Supply and Transportation Brigade of the 82nd (Airborne and Amphibious) Division, accused Musa of stealing his phone. Meanwhile, Musa had earlier complained about his own missing phone, alleging that Sani was the last person with him before it disappeared.
A source familiar with the case said the dispute began as the two soldiers returned from New Artisan Market, Enugu. “Musa noticed his phone was missing and questioned Yahaya, who denied any knowledge of it. Accusations escalated, leading to a confrontation,” the source recounted.
In retaliation during the scuffle, Yahaya reportedly disarmed Musa and stabbed him in the head with a dagger. “The incident happened on Monday night,” the source added.
Musa is currently receiving treatment at the 82 Division Military Hospital, while Sani is in custody at the 82 Division Garrison’s guardroom pending further investigation.
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