Ex-Seaman Abbas: Why top naval officer was dismissed after court martial, DHQ speaks

• Naval rating, Seaman Haruna Abbas, has been dismissed after being illegally detained for nearly six years
• The military said Ex-Seaman Haruna was dismissed following his conviction on three counts of disobedience, resistance to arrest, and offenses relating to public service property
• The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau confirmed this development in a statement on Wednesday, October 2, and shared further details

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has announced the dismissal of a naval rating, Seaman Haruna Abbas, who was reportedly detained for about six years.

Brig-Gen. Tukur Ismaila Gusau, Defence Spokesperson confirmed the development on Wednesday. Photo credit: Defence Headquarters HQ
Source: Facebook

Why ex-Seaman Abbas was dismissed

Daily Trust reported that Haruna’s dismissal came on the heels of his wife, Hussaina Iliya, who claimed on a popular radio station in Abuja that her husband was detained unjustly by the military, since 2018, over attempt to disarm him.

After Iliya’s claim went viral, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, ordered an investigation into the matter.

Giving an update during a press briefing at Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, the Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, disclosed that Haruna had been dismissed from the military.

Gusau, a Brigadier-General, said Abbas was dismissed after the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, ratified the judgement of the court martial instituted by the DHQ on September 19, 2024.

The senior military officer said that Abbas was arraigned before a court-martial on three charges bordering on disobedience to orders, resisting arrest and destruction of service property.

He noted that the offences were contrary to Sections 56 (1), 86 (1) and 66 (c) of the Armed Forces Act Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation 2004, adding that upon his arraignment, he 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.“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.

The Cable also confirmed the report in its publication on Wednesday.

Read related articles here:

• Nigerian army reacts to alleged resignation of COAS
• Armed Forces games: Nigerian Army emerges overall winner
• Ex-female soldier asks army to publish investigation report

Female soldier discharged for accusing superior of alleged maltreatment

Similarly, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Army dismissed a female soldier, Private Ruth Ogunleye, who accused her superior, Colonel I.B Abdulkareem, of sexual harassment.

Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the investigation concluded showed that Colonel I.B Abdulkareem did not commit the offence.

Nwachukwu said Ogunleye’s “behavior, both online and offline, raised questions about her worsening mental health.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

Source: Legit.ng