The Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria has raised alarm over what it describes as a calculated smear campaign targeting senior officers of the Nigerian Army, particularly the Chief of Army Logistics, Major-General Erema Akerejola. The group condemned recent allegations against the General, labeling them as part of a disturbing trend of blackmail and media persecution aimed at undermining the military leadership.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Coalition’s Convener, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi said it had observed a pattern in which certain individuals level “spurious and inflammatory allegations” against top-ranking officers of the Nigerian Army.
The group believes these actions are often driven by personal vendettas or attempts to settle internal disputes, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.
“Most of these allegations appear to be an attempt to settle personal or non official scores,” the statement read. “If truly the allegations are not mischievous, why are the so called petitioners avoiding proper Nigerian Army channels and resorting instead to media trials?”
The statement followed a viral report by Peoples Gazette in which Major-General Akerejola was accused by his cousin, retired Major Fimihan Akerejola, of embezzling millions of dollars meant for soldiers’ welfare and equipment. The petition, reportedly submitted to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleged that the Army General laundered the funds through a private company, EMI Scanners Integrated Services Limited, established in 2017 and named after his three children.
The Coalition, however, raised doubts about the credibility and timing of the petition, noting that the said family member has since distanced himself from the allegations. According to the group, this development suggests that “some insidious characters are hell-bent on targeting selected officers of the Nigerian Army.”
“While we are not holding brief for General Akerejola, or any other Senior Official of the Armed Forces Of Nigeria, the Nigerian Army inclusive, but this latest petition looks clearly sponsored and designed to distract from the noble work our military leaders are doing,” the Coalition noted. “Dragging the innocent family members of officers into this kind of campaign is both unjust and dangerous.”
The group warned those it described as “desperate elements thriving on falsehood and campaigns of calumny” to desist from blackmail and propaganda against our military leadership. Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi further call on Nigerians to support the armed forces and resist attempts to demoralize its leadership amid ongoing national security challenges.
“Our soldiers and their commanders are sacrificing daily to protect our nation’s sovereignty, often at great personal cost. They must be insulated from politically motivated distractions and targeted attacks,” the statement concluded.
