By Evelyn Usman

Lance Corporal Itugbu Augustine Omorodion of 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State, who was arrested over a case of robbery two weeks ago in Aba area of the state, has been dismissed from Nigerian Army.

His dismissal was announced after a court martial at the 14 Brigade, Monday. Omorodion was arrested by police in Aba, for allegedly robbing a 21-year-old boy.

He was alleged to have attacked one Ebuka with a dagger and robbed him of N250,000 meant to be deposited for his boss in one of the banks along Faulks Road, Aba.

The boy raised alarm, which attracted passers-by, who alerted men of the Police Mobile Force on patrol in the area.

When he was handed over to Army authorities in Abia, it was discovered that he had no business being in Aba at the time he was alleged to have committed the crime.

Disclosing his dismissal in a statement by the 14 Brigade of the Nigeria Army, Captain Sydney Mgbemena revealed that investigations conducted on the soldier indicated that he was granted pass to travel to Benin in Edo State to see his family.

He said: “It was, however, established that rather than proceed to Benin, the soldier proceeded to Aba, wearing the Nigerian Army camouflage uniform, which contravenes Nigerian Army’s standing instruction in respect of the use of uniforms when not on official duty.

“Consequently, the soldier was charged, tried, found guilty and subsequently dismissed from service in line with the provision of the Armed Forces Act Caps A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

The Lance Corporal had reportedly been handed over to police for further necessary action.