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Oladipo Abiola
Guest
The alleged illegal detention of a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, has attracted the attention of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa.
According to some trending videos, Haruna has been in detention illegally for about six years.
Haruna’s wife had, while featuring on a radio station in Abuja, accused the military authorities of unjustly keeping her husband in their custody for almost six years.
In separate reactions, Matawalle and Musa have assured that the matter would receive due attention, adding that an investigation has been opened into it.
Matawalle, in a statement on Monday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, said no officer should be subjected to undue hardship or wrongful treatment.
He said, “Our armed forces are built on the pillars of honour, discipline, and justice. No officer serving this great nation should be subjected to undue hardship or wrongful treatment.
“The case of Seaman Abbas will be thoroughly investigated, and the truth will be uncovered.
“I assure the public that this matter will be handled with the utmost seriousness, and justice will prevail. We remain committed to upholding the integrity of our military and the rights of every individual under the law.”
Matawalle also noted that all military personnel, regardless of rank, deserve to be treated fairly and with respect.
“Seaman Abbas Haruna’s rights will be protected throughout the investigation, and any breach of protocol will be addressed promptly and decisively. The ministry remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring that no officer or civilian is subjected to unfair treatment or harassment,” the statement added.
Similarly, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement on Sunday by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said the military was committed to upholding fairness and justice.
He said CDS Musa has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter and the outcome would be made public.
Gusau said, “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has taken notice of a circulating video clip alleging the unjust incarceration of a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, for six years.
“The DHQ wishes to assure the public that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains committed to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. The military court-martial process, though meticulous, ensures fairness, equal opportunity, and justice in accordance with established military procedures and the law.
“In response to this allegation, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has directed an immediate investigation into the matter. The outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course.
“The DHQ urges the general public to exercise caution and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated information while the investigation is ongoing. We assure Nigerians that the Armed Forces will ensure a speedy and transparent investigation.”
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