From Emma Elekwa, Onitsha
Thirty-five-year-old David Otto has confessed that his decision to wear army uniform was taken after he failed to make the military cut.
The suspect, who hails from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, was among over 100 suspects paraded before journalists at the police headquarters in Amawbia, Anambra State.
Otto, who was arrested alongside his alleged accomplice, Joseph Donga of Buruku Local Government Area of Benue State, said he had always loved wearing the military attire having grown up in the barracks.
He said he had indicated interest in the military, but was screened out during the recruitment exercise.
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He said, “My father is a soldier and I’m a barracks boy. When I tried joining the army, I was screened out. Since then, I liked the uniform and have been putting it on.”
The suspect who said he obtained the uniform through one of his friends from Maidugiri named Mohammed, however, denied committing any crime with it.
He added, “I was on my way back from Onitsha where I went to see a friend when we were accosted along the road by two men in military attire.
“We stopped to greet them and they started interrogating us and in the process, discovered we’re not soldiers.
“I’m guilty and plead for forgiveness. I’m not a thief and have not been to the police station before.”
Parading the suspects before newsmen, police spokesman Haruna Mohammed said the suspects were caught dressed in complete army camouflage and have all confessed to be fake soldiers voluntarily.
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