A new twist has been brought into a raging controversy involving a Nigerian Naval rating identified as Seaman Abbas Haruna, who has been reportedly detained since 2019.
Haruna’s situation was brought to public knowledge by his wife who appeared on a popular television magazine show, ‘Brekete Family’, where she alleged that Naval authorities detained her husband for allegedly leaving a parade ground to pray.
The allegations had led to public outcry with many Nigerians calling for a probe and prosecution of the superior officers involved in Haruna’s predicament.
The National Assembly also got involved in the controversy with the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi promising to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter.
On Monday, the Nigerian military also directed an immediate investigation into the matter and pledged to make public the outcome of the inquiry.
In a statement, the military said:
“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.”
But on Thursday, an old video emerged which seemed to tell a different story from the picture Haruna’s wife painted.
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In the video posted on X, Seaman Haruna is seen resisting arrest during what appeared to be an inspection at a parade ground by a senior officer.
In the video, Haruna who was serving with the ‘Operation Whirlstroke’, an anti-banditry formation in Taraba State, is seen resisting being disarmed by other personnel. During the melee, he corked his gun and threatened to shoot his colleagues and then several shots was heard being fired, though it is unclear from the video who fired the shots, or if anyone was hit.
Checks on the circumstances that led to Haruna’s arrest also painted a different picture from what was early revealed to the public.
Sources reveal that Haruna had, in November 2019, committed an infraction that warranted a court martial and in the process of taking him in, he resisted arrest and instead turned violent, threatening to kill those who attempted to disarm him.
“Seaman Haruna was eventually disarmed and arrested, and a military disciplinary process was activated,” an officer privy to the matter said on the condition of anonymity.
“A court martial by the Defence Headquarters took place between late 2022 and early 2023, during which the Seaman pleaded guilty to the various charges leveled against him, and he has since been recommended for dismissal from the military.”
Another source said that all of the details will be revealed and affirmed in the course of the various investigations that have been kick-started since Seaman Haruna’s wife made her allegations public.
“Everything that has followed the incident in the viral video has been in line with military due process. There is documented evidence of the proceedings of the court martial that found the Seaman guilty and has recommended him for dismissal. In addition, his detention by the Defence Headquarters has also been carried out in line with military norms, and in a humane manner, contrary to the narratives circulating claiming maltreatment.”
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