Tears as Ogbole James, General Crushed By Corporal, To Be Buried in Abuja Today

As military intelligence officers continue to scrutinize the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Brig. General Audu Ogbole James, Director of Finance at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos,  with a view to ascertaining whether it was an accident or murder, the earthly remains of the gallant officer will be buried in Abuja today, December 2, 2022, with full military honours.

General James’ body was flown from Lagos to Abuja on Tuesday preparatory to a two-day programme for his final rites of passage.

General James was crushed dead at the NAFRC barracks, Oshodi, by a Corporal, Abayomi Edun, as he walked towards his official residence on Thursday, November 15, 2022. The Corporal was identified as batman to the late officer.

Tears poured in torrents, Thursday night, at the All Saints Military Church (Protestant), Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, where the service of songs/night of tributes were held in honour of the departed officer.

There was an endless flow of encomiums as officers, VIPs, and people from all walks of life whose lives General James had significantly impacted. They all spoke glowingly about his life of service, sacrificial love for fellow humans, patriotic service to Fatherland, as well as his legacies, which they said will endure forever.

An obituary announcement issued by the Commandant, Air Vice Marshal I.G. Lubo, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, shows that a funeral service will hold Friday morning at the same church- All Saints Military Church (Protestant), Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, starting from 9o’clock.

Interment follows immediately at the Guards Brigade Cemetery, Lungi Barracks.

The Man, Brigadier General Ogbole Audu James (N/10161)

The late Brigadier General Ogbole Audu James was born on 3 August, 1971, in Suleja, and hailed from Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory. After his primary education, he attended Tilley Gyado College from 1981 to 1986 where he obtained his West African School Certificate, WASC.

He was at the Nigerian Defence Academy, NDA, from 1991 to 1996, where he obtained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Economics. He was granted Regular Combatant Commission as a member of 43 Regular Course on 21 September, 1996, in the rank of Second Lieutenant with seniority on the same rank effective 16 August, 1991.

He served meritoriously at the Nigerian Army Finance Corps and rose to the rank of Brigadier General effective 16 August, 2019. 

Military Courses Attended

The late senior officer attended several courses and performed creditably. He attended the Young Officers’ Course Infantry in 1997, Computer Appreciation Course in 1998 and Young Officers’ Course Finance in 2000. He also attended the Junior Staff Course in 2002, Cashier Course in 2003, Company Commanders’ Course Armour in 2004, and Senior Staff Course in 2005.

Other courses the late General attended were the United Nations Civilian/Military Coordination Course in 2008, Commander Division Finance and Accounts Course in 2010, Account Inspectors Course in 2013 and the Senior Executive Management Course 40 in 2018.

Academic Excellence 

Apart from military courses, the late Brigadier General James had an insatiable appetite for academic excellence.

He graduated from Nigerian Defence Academy with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics with Second Class Honours, Upper Division in 1995. He later proceeded to the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, where he got a Master’s Degree in- Business Administration (with specialization in Finance). Prior to his demise, the General was also pursuing a Master’s of Science Degree in Economics from the same university.

Aside from these, the late General was also a firm believer in personal professional development. This is evident from the number of professional bodies he belonged. He was Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria; Member, Nigerian Institute of Management; Member, Institute of Directors; and Member, National Institute, mni.

He was also an Associate Member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria as well as the Institute of Chartered Economics.

The late Brigadier General Ogbole Audu James proved himself as a professional soldier and earned his promotions as when due. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 16 August, 1996, Captain on 16 August, 1999, and Major on 16

August, 2004. He was further promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 16 August, 2009; Colonel on 16 August, 2014, and Brigadier General on 16 August, 2019. 

Death

The late Brigadier General Ogbole Audu James died on 15

November, 2022.

Survived by: 

He is survived by his wife, children brothers, sisters and aged mother. May his precious soul rest in perfect peace.