Abia State Government has explained why it previously pledged support for Nigerian Army Sergeant Simon Amoke, who was recently arrested by military authorities over an alleged N114 million fraud.
According to media reports, Amoke, a member of the Army Engineers Corps stationed in Lagos, was apprehended at Port Harcourt International Airport while attempting to flee to Abuja.
Security sources said the arrest followed an operation by troops from the 14 Brigade and 6 Division Provost units, triggered by intelligence linking him to multiple alleged fraudulent activities.
Investigations revealed that Amoke had allegedly deceived Abia State officials by claiming involvement as a key operative in the 2010 operation that led to the death of a notorious gang leader, “Osisikankwu.”
Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Ferdinand Ekeoma, a media aide to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, said the governor’s earlier promises of support to the now accused soldier was based on compassionate ground.
“Governor Alex Otti’s promise of support to him was purely on compassionate ground, in line with the administration’s altruistic disposition which has seen the government extend similar support to several citizens,” Mr Ekeoma said.
The media aide recalled that the governor had extended financial support to families of a naval personnel who lost her life in an accident in Aba and an immigration officer allegedly killed by his wife in the state.
“All these cases and many others too numerous to list here, were thoroughly investigated before financial support was extended to the affected persons,” he said.