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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Douglas Ogbankwa, a Benin-based lawyer representing Telford and Co. Ltd., has petitioned the Chief of Army Staff to investigate the detention of his client’s truck and petroleum product by soldiers attached to the 34 Brigade Headquarters in Obinze, Imo State.
In the petition dated April 30, 2024, Ogbankwa stated that on March 11, 2024, his client’s drivers loaded a truck with diesel and proceeded to Awka. On March 13, the drivers were intercepted and detained for four days by soldiers from the 34 Brigade.
The petition further claims that the truck, valued at N100 million, and the diesel, valued at N62 million, remain in the custody of the soldiers despite the drivers’ release. Ogbankwa argues that the Nigerian Army lacks jurisdiction over petroleum matters and has no right to detain the truck and product without a court order, constituting a violation of legal procedures.
The lawyer urges the Chief of Army Staff to investigate the matter and address the alleged excesses of some soldiers, which have tarnished the image of the Nigerian Army. He warns that if the issue remains unresolved, he will be forced to seek legal redress through the judiciary.
