Ihejirika denies claims of being involved with Boko Haram

Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Oyeabo Ihejirika (rtd), a former Chief of Army Staff, says he is not involved with the Boko Haram sect– Ihejirika sues Nduka Obaigbena, Leaders and Company Limited, and Stephen Davis for defamation.

Justice Valentine Ashi adjourns his case till November 2 and 3, 2016Retired Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Oyeabo Ihejirika, a former Chief of Army Staff, has denied being involved with the Boko Haram sect. Speaking before an FCT High Court on Thursday, September 22, Ihejirika said he fought the Boko Haram sect using his commanders in the field, NAN reports. Ihejirika, who was cross examined by counsel for the defendants, Frank Chude, said that Boko Haram were terrorists and the Nigerian Army is fighting the group.Ihejirika denies claims of being involved with Boko Haram The former COAS also sued Nduka Obaigbena, Leaders and Company Limited, and Stephen Davis, an Australian who claimed to be a hostage negotiator working for the release of Nigerian women taken hostage by the Boko Haram sect at Chibok, Borno State in 2014.He is claiming N100bn for damages from the defendants for defamation in the interview granted by Davis to Arise TV and then published in This Day newspaper, even as he asked for a perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from further defamatory comments concerning him. According to him, the defendants should publish a full retraction and apology in the front page of This Day newspaper for the said false and libellous publication. Reacting to whether his duties as a General is of public consumption, Ihejirika said he was a public figure and issues related to him were for public consumption.The former COAS said he did not have personal issues with Boko Haram but fought them as terrorists. He admitted that he had heard the tape of the interview and that his name was not mentioned. But Ihejirika said he was the only Chief of Army Staff that retired in January 2014 as mentioned in the tape. Ihejirika added that he had never granted This Day newspaper any interview but had read the said publication when his attention was drawn to it. However, his Counsel, A.B. Anachebe (SAN), had raised objection that his client would not answer the question by the defence if the story published in This Day newspaper about Ihejirika was true. Anachebe said the question and false publication were the reasons they were in court. Justice Valentine Ashi adjourned the case till November 2 and 3, 2016 for continuation of cross examination and defence. Tehila.com recalls that the former Army bosswas arrested in June in connection with the alleged misappropriation of the arms funds under former national security adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).General Ihejirika was appointed Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on September 8, 2010 by former president Good luck Jonathan and he occupied that position for four years until his retirement on January 2014.However, his reign as the army boss was marred in controversies.