society
Anxiety over Army chief Lagbaja’s health
Anxiety over Army chief Lagbaja’s health
Indications have emerged that some Army generals are lobbying for the position of the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), following reports that current COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is on admission at a foreign hospital undergoing treatment for a yet-to-be-disclosed health issue.
Army Headquarters (AHQ), through the spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, responded to the reports, saying Lagbaja is on leave and that arrangements are in place to ensure there is no vacuum in his absence.
An online medium, Saharareporters, had reported that the Army chief, who was allegedly flown out over the undisclosed ailment, is incapacitated, as a result of the sickness.
The medium said Lagbaja’s health had taken a turn for the worse, and that “he is now bedridden and incapacitated due to his deteriorating condition”, noting that it is causing significant concerns within the military establishment.
“His health is seriously deteriorating and he is currently incapable. He is on a sick bed; he can’t hear what people are saying again, just like someone with hearing problems. We are praying for his quick recovery”, it quoted one of the sources as saying.
“So it’s a very serious illness but the Army authorities can never disclose it now. Even before this stage, General Lagbaja was prepared to resign because of the health challenge.”
Consequently, there are indications that some generals, particularly of the Regular 40 and 41 intakes, who are the next most senior officer cadre following those of 38 and 39 Regulars, have commenced underground lobbying of traditional rulers, NASS members, top politicians and even former heads of state for consideration for appointment as the next COAS.
Tongues started wagging about the whereabouts of Lagbaja after he was conspicuously absent at the October 1, 2024 independence anniversary celebrations held at the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.
Since then, several other functions have taken place without his presence, including the burial ceremony organized for the late Major General Seidu Inaboya Musa, Director of Army Legal Services, at the National Military Cemetery where he was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major Gen Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim.
The online medium had reported that Lagbaja was flown abroad by his family members following the “strange illness”.
Quoting a source, the medium said, “The Chief of Army Staff is nowhere to be found for many days now. He hasn’t been seen at the Army headquarters or any military function in the last three weeks.
“I can confirm to you that he is seriously sick and was taken to the hospital. However, his family members arranged for him to be moved out of the country for medical treatment”.
“The COAS is a leader and most of the Major Generals are doing anyhow because they have no one to report to currently.
“Anybody can fall sick but someone needs to be in charge. I wish him a very quick recovery, I have known him since our days in Makurdi, Benue State. We were both young officers then and he was a captain.”
Another source told the medium, “As military men, we were taught to be observant, so I noticed he was not at the October 1 Independence Day parade ground in Abuja. I asked my superiors including a general and I was told that he was out of the country. You know, it is unusual for him not to be around at that time.
“Also, the 2024 promotion list of soldiers which was completed a few weeks back is yet to be signed by the COAS. I was told that the Chief of Administration cannot do it because it will escalate the COAS’s absence. Some of my subordinates who are due for promotion are already grumbling.”
‘No Leadership Vacuum’
Meanwhile, AHQ said, yesterday, that Lagbaja is on leave and that all necessary protocols were in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on his behalf, hence there is no vacuum in the force.
“This is not peculiar to the Nigerian Army as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence”, it said.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, made this known in a statement titled, ‘Nigerian Army Operational and Administrative Activities on Course, Contrary to Insinuations in the Media Space.’ The statement read, “Recently, the media space, especially social media, has been awash with stories, rumours, and innuendoes about happenings in the Nigerian Army (NA).
“While some of these are laughable and deserve no further reference, others have bordered on pure mischief calculated to cause panic and confusion within the rank and file, as well as the general public.
“Specifically, many insinuations about personnel postings, promotions, and even training activities have been raised vis-a-vis the official leave of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
“There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing can be farther from the truth.
“To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances.
“Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS, while he is away.
“This is not peculiar to the NA as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence.
“Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA presently is, therefore, mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the Service are on course.
“Indeed, in line with its Forecast of Events for 2024, the Nigerian Army recently conducted the Captain-Major Practical Promotion Examination in Akure.
“Subsequently and in line with extant procedures, the Commander Training and Doctrine Command, Major General Kevin Aligbe, announced the result after due authorisation by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), who currently answers for the Chief of Army Staff in his absence on leave and medical checkup abroad.
“Additionally, the Master Warrant Officer to Army Warrant Officer Promotion Exercise is currently ongoing in Jos.
“This follows a similar exercise held for Warrant Officer to Master Warrant Officer (WO-MWO) in Kaduna.
“The results of these exercises are expected to be released in the coming days, pending final reconciliation between the respective Corps and the Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management.
“Contrary to the insinuation that the absence of the COAS occasioned by his leave, has caused undue delay in the release of the result of the WO-MWO promotion exercise, the NA wishes to clarify that it has never been the practice for the COAS to sign postings or promotions for both officers and soldiers in the NA.
“The appropriate departmental chiefs perform these functions routinely.
“These Departmental Chiefs, demonstrating their unwavering commitment, are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.
“The Army Headquarters, therefore, enjoins the general public to remain confident in the NA and be assured that the Service remains on top of the security situations in the country and is ever ready to defend Nigeria against any aggression on its land territory.
“Meanwhile, the Army Headquarters wishes to thank all well-meaning Nigerians who have shown genuine concern about Lt Gen TA Lagbaja and have continued to pray for him.
“The Army Headquarters assures Nigerians and the international community that all land-related training, operational, and administrative activities are on course and that the COPP (A) is firmly and effectively running the affairs of the Service pending the return of the COAS.”
Born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, Lt. Gen Lagbaja was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff.
He took office on June 23, 2023, replacing Faruk Yahaya as COAS.
The COAS reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff, who, in turn, reports to the Defence Minister, accountable to the President of Nigeria.
A seasoned operational officer, Lagbaja has held various command, staff, and instructional appointments.
His previous appointments include serving as the Chief of Staff, Theatre Command, Operation Lafia Dole, Director of Operations, Army Headquarters, General Officer Commanding at Headquarters 82 Division, GOC 1 Division and Chief of Operations, Army Headquarters.
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
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