The Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) of the Nigerian Army has denied allegations of illegally detaining a civilian, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Deekae Sunday Kiaka, a dismissed Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel, accused of fraud.
Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for TRADOC, addressed the matter in a statement, refuting claims published by an online medium. The report alleged that TRADOC officers had detained a civilian on the orders of a commander over suspicions of fraud against a food vendor.
Uba explained that the case involved Miss Lynda Moses, a food vendor at the TRADOC Officers Mess, who reported that Kiaka had withdrawn ₦1.1 million from her First Bank account. “Upon investigation, it was discovered that Kiaka was a dismissed personnel of the NAF, who had been impersonating as a serving Sergeant,” Uba stated. The Military Police arrested Kiaka on October 6, 2024, after he visited Moses at her workplace in Minna Cantonment.
Kiaka admitted to using Moses’ phone under the pretense of playing a game while she attended to customers. He later confessed to the fraudulent withdrawal and requested that the matter be resolved by the Military Police, avoiding involvement with the Nigeria Police Force.
Uba also revealed that Kiaka had engaged in double dealings, promising marriage to two women, including Miss Chinwendu Nnadozie, a reporter with Daily Independent, who stood as his surety.
“This represents an attempt by a felon to tarnish the reputation of TRADOC NA and its leadership,” Uba added, criticizing the media outlet for not verifying the claims before publication.
The case is expected to be handed over to the police for prosecution once investigations are completed.
