By Straightnews
The Nigerian Military has exited two personnel for infringing lawful military Laws.
The Defence Headquarters announced the dismissal of a naval rating, Seaman Haruna Abbas, from service for disobeying lawful military orders.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja on October 2, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said Abbas Haruna was dismissed after the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, ratified the judgement of the court martial instituted by the Defence Headquarters on September 19, 2024.
This was as the Nigerian Army discharged Private Ruth Ogunleye following her public accusations of 3exual harassment against senior officers, including Colonel I.B Abdulkareem on September 24.
Recall that Haruna’s wife blew the lid open during her interview with Brekete Family Radio, Abuja that her husband was incarnated for six years without trial, an interview that elicited public condemnations including House of Representatives probe.
Related news: DHQ breaks silence on incarceration of Naval Rating for 6 years
General Gusau said that the dismissed seaman was arraigned before a court-martial on a three-count charge bordering on disobedience to orders, resisting arrest and destruction of service property in contravention of Sections 56 (1), 86 (1) and 66 (c) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation 2004.
Gusau stated that upon his arraignment, the ex-seaman pleaded guilty to the allegations against him.
“Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 was arraigned before the GCM on 3 counts charge of Disobedience to Particular Orders, Resistance to Arrest and Offences in Relation to Public and Service Property contrary to Sections 56 (1), 86 (1) and 66 (c) of the Armed Forces Act (AFA) Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation (LFN) 2004, respectively,” the Defence spokesman said.
“At the trial, the GCM deliberated on the testimonies of the prosecution and Defence witnesses as well as the exhibits tendered by the prosecution surrounding the circumstances of the case.
“It is important to note that the ex-rating pleaded guilty to all the charges during the trial. The GCM therefore, considered the nature of the offence committed by the ex rating, his plea of guilty and plea in mitigation of punishment as well as the legal advice of the Judge Advocate in arriving at its verdict,” he said.
According to Gusau, after the trial, the court found Abbas guilty and dismissed him with effect from February 7, 2023, adding that Abbas was subsequently placed on open arrest pending the ratification of the judgment.
“Accordingly, after proceedings, the GCM found Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 guilty on all counts. Based on this, he was sentenced to a Reduction in Rate from Seaman to Ordinary Seaman on Count One and Dismissal with Ignominy on Counts 2 and 3 with effect from 7 February 2023,” he added.
Ogunleye dismissed
Similarly, Ogunleye who alleged that in January 2024 via her TikTok account, Abdulkareem, along with Colonel G.S Ogor and Brigadier General I.B Solebo, subjected her to severe mistreatment had been dismissed.
She had accused Abdulkareem of attempting sexual assault, administering injections against her will, forcibly evicting her from her residence, and detaining her in a Psychiatric hospital after she rejected his advances.
Her accusations prompted the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to order a detailed investigation.
During a press briefing in Abuja, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, revealed the investigation’s findings.
“Upon receipt of her complaint, the Nigerian Army referred the matter to the Military Police for a thorough investigation. The investigation concluded that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem did not commit the alleged offences,” he said.
Nwachukwu further emphasised that the investigation adhered to established protocols to ensure fairness.
The Army’s inquiry also uncovered concerns about Ogunleye’s mental health.
“Medical evaluations at the National Hospital in Abuja confirmed that Ogunleye was suffering from a condition that made her medically vulnerable,” Nwachukwu added.
Despite her previous recommendation for discharge in 2022 on medical grounds, the Army extended care to her before ultimately discharging her.
Ogunleye’s online and offline conduct raised further concerns, leading the Army to forgo disciplinary actions and discharge her on medical grounds.
Despite her ineligibility for full pension entitlements, the Army awarded her a 50 per cent monthly pension for life and other benefits.
