RismadarVoice Reporters
March 26, 2026
The Abia State Government has distanced itself from the arrest of a Nigerian Army personnel, Staff Sergeant Amoke Simon, stating that its earlier interaction with him was purely on humanitarian grounds.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, the government said it had been informed by military authorities that the soldier was arrested over an alleged fraud committed prior to his recent appearance before Governor Alex Otti.
Ekeoma explained that Amoke, who once served in Abia, was brought to the governor by a non-governmental organisation for medical assistance after sustaining an injury outside the state.
He noted that Governor Otti’s promise of support was driven by compassion and aligned with the administration’s policy of assisting citizens and security personnel facing hardship.
“The governor’s intervention was purely on compassionate grounds, consistent with the government’s record of supporting individuals who have suffered misfortune in the course of their duties,” the statement said.
He cited similar interventions by the state government, including financial assistance to the family of a naval officer who died in an auto crash near the Osisioma Flyover in Aba, and support for the family of an immigration officer reportedly killed in Umuahia.
He also noted that eight soldiers recently involved in a road accident received state-sponsored medical treatment and have since been discharged.
The government, however, stressed that such assistance is usually preceded by due diligence, adding that it had requested background checks on Amoke – a move it said may have contributed to the military’s subsequent action.
“Since it is outside the scope of the state government to investigate cases of corruption, we support all legitimate actions by the Nigerian Army to discipline erring personnel and ensure justice is served,” Ekeoma stated.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing humanitarian support where necessary, despite the controversy surrounding the soldier’s case.
