The Abia State Government has responded to the arrest of a Nigerian Army personnel, Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, over alleged fraud, maintaining that it will continue to support citizens in need despite the controversy surrounding the case.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the government said it became aware of the development following information from military authorities linking the soldier’s arrest to alleged fraudulent activities.
The government clarified that Sergeant Amoke was recently received by Alex Otti and promised medical assistance purely on compassionate grounds.
According to the statement, the soldier had previously served in Abia State and sustained an injury while on duty. It noted that he was presented to the state government by a non-governmental organisation for medical support, which informed the governor’s decision to assist.
The Abia State Government stressed that its intervention was consistent with its humanitarian approach, which has seen support extended to several citizens and security personnel facing various forms of hardship.
It cited instances where the government provided financial assistance to the family of a naval officer who died in an auto crash near the Osisioma Flyover in Aba, as well as support to the family of an immigration officer allegedly killed in Umuahia.
The statement further noted that eight Nigerian Army personnel recently involved in an auto crash also received state-sponsored medical care, including surgeries, before being discharged from hospital.
The government, however, emphasized that such interventions are not carried out indiscriminately, noting that due diligence is always conducted before any form of assistance is granted.
It added that while investigating corruption cases falls outside the mandate of the state government, it had requested that proper background checks be carried out on Sergeant Amoke—a process which may have contributed to the military’s action leading to his arrest.
Reaffirming its position, the government expressed full support for the Nigerian Army’s efforts to ensure discipline and justice, while assuring that it would not be deterred from providing humanitarian assistance to citizens in genuine need.
“The government will continue to offer financial, medical and other support to victims of misfortune where necessary, notwithstanding the controversies surrounding Sergeant Amoke’s case,” the statement added.
