By Ugochukwu Alaribe

Aba—The soldier attached to the 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State, Lance Corporal Itugbu Augustine Omorodion, who was arrested last Friday for robbing 21-year-old Ebuka of N250,000 in Aba, has blamed the devil and lack of money for his action.

Omorodion was said to have been given permission by the army authorities at Ohafia when he claimed he needed to go out of the barracks to source for money to pay the hospital bill of his sick wife.

The soldier, who hails from Edo State, was said to have gone to Aba last Friday, armed with a dagger, and robbed Ebuka of his master’s N250,000 he was taking to the bank along Faulks Road.

Following alarm raised by the boy, some residents of the area apprehended the fleeing soldier, beat him to pulp and tied his hands and legs before he was rescued by mobile policemen on patrol.

The soldier, who was injured by the mob, was taken to hospital by the police before his colleagues came to pick him from the Police Area command in Aba.

Military sources said Omorodion’s job may be on the line as he may face prosecution for his action, which was described as a disgrace to the Army.