Corporal Amina Sani Maidoku has been detailed by the Nigerian army over allegations of theft and misconduct.
The high profile case which has made the 25-year old soldier infamous involves missing funds from the residence of the ex-army chief, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya. The arrest and detainment of Corporal Amina has sparked reactions from the media, deeming her detainment illegal. In response, the Nigerian has issued a statement to acknowledge the concerns of the media and concerned Nigerians.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Colonel Anele, explained that the Corporal is still in detention because a proper investigation is being carried out to ascertain the facts of the matter. Despite being in the detention, the Nigerian army made it known that the investigation is being conducted with utmost regard for Corporal Saidoki’s human rights. In the statement, it was also mentioned that the claims of unlawful detention and denial of a legal process are “false and are rendered simply to mislead the public and draw undue sentiments”.
Background
On April 3, 2025, Corporal Amina Maidoki was arrested following allegations of theft at the residence of Salamayi Faruk Yahaya. Salamatu, who is the ex-wife former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (retd), had the soldier detained initially at the residence. Thereafter, she was moved to the guardroom at General Yakubu Gowon Barracks in Abuja.
This kind of case isn’t a rare occurrence within the Nigerian army, as a number of members have been alleged and convicted for financial misconduct. Such was the case of Major General Umar Mohammed. Gen. Umar, who was the Managing Director (MD) of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, was convicted by a military court for stealing and misappropriating over $1.4 million belonging to the Nigerian Army. He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment.
Also, Lance Corporal Jonah Comfort was dismissed from the Nigerian Army in 2024. This was because of allegations of theft and her final confession to stealing gold jewelry valued at ₦35 million from the wife of a Brigadier General in Kaduna. She had reportedly sold the stolen jewelry at ₦5 million. Read this post from iNaijaNow about how the NJC also suspended three judges over judicial misconduct.
So far, investigations on Corporal Maidoki’s case haven’t yielded visible results to prove her guilt or innocence. However, her family has raised concerns over her treatment and questioned the transparency of the investigation process. According to a family source, she is still under illegal detention. It was also stated, “Even if they think she stole the money, why not charge her in court? Why torture her and hold her like a criminal without any proof?”
However, the Nigerian army maintains that there is no cause for alarm. The statement also addressed this, stating, “in every way, the Nigerian Army acknowledges the concerns of Corporal Maidoki’s family and sympathizes with the emotional toll this may cause. The NA remains open to lawful communication and engagement provided such interactions align with the operational and investigative procedures currently in place”.
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