The Coalition of Civil Society Groups Against Terrorism in Nigeria has strongly condemned what it describes as a deliberate smear campaign targeting senior military officers, with particular reference to Major-General Erema Akerejola, the Chief of Army Logistics.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Coalition’s Convener, Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, expressed concern over the growing trend of unfounded allegations and “media trials” aimed at discrediting military leaders. He noted that many of these accusations seem to stem from personal vendettas rather than a genuine pursuit of accountability.
“We’ve observed a disturbing pattern where individuals resort to inflammatory and unverified allegations against top military personnel, bypassing official complaint channels within the Nigerian Army,” the statement read. “Such moves appear to be driven by ulterior motives, often designed to settle personal scores.”
The group’s reaction follows a report by Peoples Gazette, in which Major-General Akerejola was accused by his cousin, retired Major Fimihan Akerejola, of misappropriating millions of dollars intended for troops’ welfare and logistics. The petition, reportedly submitted to the EFCC and ICPC, alleges that the funds were laundered through EMI Scanners Integrated Services Limited — a company said to be founded by the general and named after his children.
However, the Coalition has questioned both the credibility and timing of the petition, pointing out that the accuser has since withdrawn from the allegations. According to the group, this reversal reinforces the suspicion that the claims may be part of a coordinated attempt to undermine the military.
“While we are not speaking on behalf of General Akerejola or any other officer, we find it troubling that these kinds of allegations surface without any due process and drag innocent family members into the fray,” Odeyemi stated.
He warned those he described as “desperate actors” to stop spreading falsehoods aimed at destabilizing the military hierarchy, especially during a period of heightened national security concerns.
“Our military officers are making immense sacrifices for the security and unity of our country. Undermining them through unfounded media campaigns is reckless and counterproductive,” the statement concluded, urging Nigerians to support the armed forces and resist attempts to erode their morale.
