Injured Soldier Arrested Days After Receiving Support from Governor Otti

The Abia State Government has reacted to the arrest of a Nigerian Army personnel, Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, just days after he was publicly received by Governor Alex Otti and promised medical assistance.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the government said it became aware of the development following reports from military authorities.

According to him, the soldier was taken into custody over his alleged involvement in a fraud case said to have occurred in the past.

Ekeoma explained that findings by the state showed that Amoke had previously served in Abia State. He noted that the soldier sustained injuries while on duty after he had left the state. The injured personnel was later brought before the governor by a non-governmental organisation seeking urgent medical support.

He stressed that Governor Otti’s decision to assist the soldier was based purely on compassion. He added that the administration has maintained a consistent approach in supporting individuals, including security personnel, who suffer misfortune in the line of duty.

The statement read, “For example, just recently, the government extended financial support to the family of a naval personnel who lost her life in an auto crash around the Osisioma Flyover, Aba.

“Also, financial support was recently extended to the family of an immigration officer who was allegedly stabbed to death by his wife in Umuahia.

“Just a few days ago, eight personnel of the Nigerian Army who were involved in an auto crash were discharged from the hospital following the completion of their treatment, which included delicate surgeries sponsored by the state government.

“All these cases and many others too numerous to list here were thoroughly investigated before financial support was extended to the affected persons, because the government is not Father Christmas.”

Ekeoma further revealed that the state government had insisted on proper background checks regarding the soldier before any assistance was finalised. He hinted that this process may have contributed to the actions later taken by the military authorities.

The spokesman made it clear that issues relating to alleged fraud fall outside the jurisdiction of the state government. He said the administration fully supports the Nigerian Army in carrying out lawful disciplinary procedures against any of its personnel found wanting.

He added that the government remains committed to humanitarian interventions and will not be discouraged by the controversy surrounding the case.

“The government shall continue to offer financial, medical and other humanitarian support to victims of all kinds of misfortune, where and when necessary, notwithstanding the controversies surrounding Sergeant Amoke’s case,” Ekeoma stated.