The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reacted to claims by popular Yoruba activist Sunday Igboho who alleged that military personnel sent by the federal government were spying on him at his residence before they were apprehended.
In the viral video, the alleged soldiers seen in military uniforms were accused of being sent by the government to do surveillance of Igboho’s Soka residence in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital following comments he made declaring the Yoruba nation, claiming that the Yorubas were no longer interested in being part of Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko the acting Director, Defence Media Operations in a statement made available to Roots TV said that the armed forces of Nigeria are highly professional in the discharge of their duties with well-defined roles and responsibilities in its mandate of securing the nation and as such cannot stoop low to such extent to “spy” on one individual.
The Defence headquarters also said it is practically impossible for any military personnel on official duty to conduct themselves in such a manner as alleged by Igboho.
Preliminary investigations however revealed that one of the alleged soldiers is a serial impersonator.
Eyewitnesses 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. Consequently, the Duo were apprehended and taken to Igboho’s residence and labeled spies.
Investigations are set to commence into the matter by the Nigerian Army and Air Force, but the Defence Headquarters warns sternly individuals and groups to desist from disparaging the enviable reputation of the military as such actions will not be condoned in the future.
