The Defence Headquarters, DHQ, has broken its silence over the prolonged incarceration of a Naval Rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna for a superior officer for six years.
This was revealed by his wife, Mrs. Hussaina Iliyasu, when she appeared on a human rights TV program, “Berekete,” alleging that her husband has been detained since 2018 following a misunderstanding with Brigadier General Adamu during a joint operation in Taraba state in which her husband left the parade to pray.
The viral video has drawn public outrage and criticisms against the military and officers allegedly involved in the persecution of the naval rating.
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In a statement issued in the early hours of Monday, the spokesman for the Nigerian military, Tukur Gusau, said the defence headquarters has taken notice of a circulating video clip, alleging the unjust incarceration of Mr Haruna.
“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,” Mr Gusau, a brigadier-general, added.
House of Representatives to wades in
Already, the House of Representatives Committee on Navy has declared its readiness to investigate the treatment of Seaman Haruna Abbas, a military officer, who allegedly fell victim to misconduct within the armed forces.
Seaman Abbas has reportedly been unlawfully detained for nearly six years, allegedly on the orders of Brigadier General MS Adamu.
Reacting to the allegations, in a press statement issued on Monday via the Committee Chairman, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the lawmakers pledged to uncover the truth in the case and ensure that all individuals involved in the violation of Seaman Abbas’ rights are held accountable.
The statement reads: “The House of Representatives Committee on Navy has vowed to dig into the unlawful detention of Seaman Abbas Haruna for nearly six years, allegedly on the instruction of one Brigadier General MS Adamu, with a pledge to ensuring that all those involved in the saga are made to face the full consequences of their actions.
“The ordeal of Seaman Abbas, as narrated by his wife Mrs Hussaina Iliyasu on ‘Berekete,’ a Human Rights Television program, started in 2018 when he was drafted on a joint operation in Sarti Baruwa Taraba state, where he was to serve under the command of Brigadier MS Adamu, but a misunderstanding ensued between the duo, leading to his detention under inhuman condition for several years without proper trial as enshrined in the Armed Forces Act 2004 Law of the Federation of Nigeria.
“The inhuman treatment meted on the naval personnel over a minor misunderstanding with his superior army officer, had made many audience in the studio to shed tears while the wife was narrating her husband’s ordeal.
“The degree of heartlessness exhibited by Brigadier General MS Adamu to his subordinate over a minor incident, has drawn wide condemnation from millions of conscious Nigerians who heard the story.
“The pathetic story of Seaman Abbas Haruna, monitored on ‘Berekete’ has prompted the House of Representatives Committee on Navy to wade into the matter with the view of unfolding the truth and upholding the integrity of our military and the right of every individual under the extant law of the land.
“Additionally, the need to also fish out all officers involved and follow up with the military hierarchy to ensure everyone who has a hand in the gross violation of Seaman Abbas’ rights are decisively brought to book.”
