Following the allegations that a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, has been in detention for nearly six years, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher have ordered that the case be immediately investigated.
The allegation was made by the wife to Haruna a few days ago when she was featured on a radio station in Abuja.
During the programme, the wife accused the military authorities of unjustly keeping her husband in their custody for almost six years.
In his reaction to the claim, Matawalle in a statement issued by his spokesman, Ahmad Dan-Wudil on Monday, said no officer should be made to undergo 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.”
The Defence minister also said irrespective of rank, all military personnel deserve fair treatment and with respect.
“He stressed that 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.
In a similar vein, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said the military was committed to upholding fairness and justice.
General Gusau gave an assurance to everyone that the outcome of the investigation ordered by the CDS would be made public.
He 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.”
