The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Onyeabo Ihejirika has ordered the dismissal of four members of the Brigade of Guards accused of raping women recently in Abuja.
The soldiers were found guilty of raping women in the Federal Capital Territory and dismissed from the Army yesterday after a military trial.
Major Peter Elayo of the Guards Brigade who spoke on behalf of the Brigade Commander, said a board of enquiry had been set up to investigate the allegations brought against the indicted officers.
He said the board found them to be engaged in criminal acts involving rape and extortion and would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
“The soldiers have consequently been dismissed from the service in line with service discipline and procedure,” he said.
Some members of the public had petitioned the House of Representatives over the matter and the House in turn mandated its Committee on Justice to investigate the alleged abuse.
The Army spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Mobolaji Koleosho confirmed the story, saying there was no cover-up as the four soldiers found guilty by the panel were dismissed.
“There was no cover-up. The matter has been brought to the chief of army staff and immediately he caused those that were involved to be arrested and tried and they have been found guilty, and I can assure you they will all be dismissed from the Army. We have no room for such people in our career.’’
The Brigade of Guards is the Army unit that is responsible for the protection of the President and his official residence, the Aso Rock.