Nigerian Army Presents Witnesses In Criminal Trial Of 25 Suspects On Murder Of Major General I.M Alkali In Jos
The criminal trial of 25 suspects accused for the of murder of Late Major General IM Alkali retired came up for hearing yesterday, 25 October 2023 before the Plateau State High Court in Jos.
The case borders on the criminal trial of 25 defendants accused of gruesomely murdering Major General IM Alkali on 3 September 2018 around Dura Du Village in Jos, Plateau State.
The Prosecution Team led by Chief Joe Kyari Gadzama and the Acting Deputy Director Legal Services 3 Division, Maj AM Mairuwa, were in court to present the witnesses who testified on the matter.
The first witness while testifying revealed how Headquarters 3 Division was tasked to search and rescue the General.
He described to the court the site where the deceased General’s vehicle was dumped inside a pond. He said the pond was evacuated and the vehicle discovered.
He further informed the court how some youth and women of the area attempted to frustrate the search operations by their provocative acts, but the troops remained professional in their task.
He added that the search led to the arrest of a mortician who was engaged in exhuming the remains of the General that were earlier buried in a shallow grave within the vicinity of the pond.
He also narrated how the body was relocated to another site 10km away and reburied by the suspects. The witness added that the body of the General was finally recovered and the killers admitted their various roles in the heinous act.
During his presentation, the witness testified with graphic sequence of events. He also acquainted the court on how the recovered body was subjected to forensic investigations by an expert Pathologist that scientifically proved that it was the remains of Major General IM Alkali.
The second Prosecution Witness on his part reiterated the testimony of the previous witness. He noted that credible human intelligence pointed to the culpability of some people around Dura Du area which made the 3 Division Team to conduct an intense search operations.
This he said led to the discovery of the remains of the late General and the uncovering those behind his murder. He told the court how the areas of interest to the case were secured by the Army for effective search and rescue operations.
The court adjourned for 6 November 2023 to enable the third and last witnesses to bring forward the relevant pictures and video clips as documentary evidence as well as for the Pathologist to testify before the court.
Commending the prosecution team, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General AE Abubakar has affirmed the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja to ensure the case was pursued to a logical conclusion and those found culpable brought to book within the provisions of the law.
It would be recalled that late Major General IM Alkali Retired disappeared on 3 September 2018 while driving to Bauchi along Abuja – Jos Road.
COAS Commissions Solar Water Project In Adamawa State
In a significant display of commitment to community development and welfare of citizens, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has commissioned a solar powered water plant amongst other projects for Gwadabawa Community in Adamawa state.
The project which was part of the COAS Special Intervention Civil Military Cooperation Project is aimed at providing portable, clean and accessible water to the community. It equally stands as a testament to the Nigerian Army’s dedication to serving the people.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the COAS emphasized the Nigerian Army’s status as the people’s army, highlighting the important role the Army plays in safeguarding the nation and contributing to the well-being of citizens.
He expressed gratitude to an illustrious son of the community, Major General Mohammed Bello for his selfless service to the nation, which he noted served as the impetus and inspiration for the water project in his community.
Represented by the General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the COAS remarked that the project aims to address the critical need for clean water in the community. It is also expected to have a positive impact on the lives of the residents, while improving access to safe drinking water and promoting better hygiene practices.
He further noted that, by undertaking initiatives like the water project, the Nigerian Army demonstrates its dedication to serving the people beyond its core responsibilities.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja further noted that the commissioning of the water project marks a significant step towards community development and reflects the Nigerian Army’s recognition of the invaluable contributions made by its members who hail from the communities. He said the project will equally strengthen the bond between the army and the people they protect, fostering a sense of unity, shared responsibility and mutual respect.
He revealed that the Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to national security, social responsibility, and the well-being of the Nigerian people while thanking the President and Commander in Chief,His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the military. He thanked the project executor for the quality of work done and ensuring the completion of the project within the time frame.
Delivering his welcome address earlier, the project executor, Major General Mohammed Bello thanked the COAS for honouring him with the project. He noted that the special intervention project was undertaken and completed with a capacity to provide forty thousand litres of portable water to the community on daily basis. He noted the significance of the initiative towards permanently resolving the epileptic water supply in the area.
Delivering his remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Nosa Ugbo explained that the project was a symbol of friendship between the Nigerian Army and the civil society. He further noted that it was a non-kinetic approach to addressing contemporary security challenges.
On his part, the Executive Governor of Adamawa state, Rt Hon Umaru Fintiri applauded the Army for going beyond it’s constitutional responsibility to provide basic infrastructure for the citizens. He revealed the commitment of the state government to ensuring portable water supply remains the topmost priority among the welfare needs of the people.
Represented by the Chief of Staff, Adamawa State, Dr Edgar Amos Sunday, the Governor remarked that Adamawa State Government will continue to partner with the NA to ensure that security receives priority attention.” We believe without security, it is not possible to engage in any meaningful development° he averred.
The programme was attended by state government officials, senior military officers both serving and retired, heads of security agencies as well as traditional and community leaders.
Source: army.mil.ng
