Nigeria: Reps to Probe Naval Officer's Detention

17 September 2024

The House of Representatives Committee on Navy has promised to investigate the alleged unlawful detention of a Seaman, Abbas Haruna, for nearly six years following the directive of a senior of the Nigerian Navy.

The alleged detention was carried out on the instruction of one Brigadier General MS Adamu according to the accounts given by his wife, Hussaina Iliyas on a radio and television programme recently.

According to her, the ordeal of her husband, Seaman Abbas, 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.

She, however, said a misunderstanding ensued between the duo, leading to his alleged 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 Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Navy, Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, in a post on his verified Facebook page Monday, promised that all the people involved in and found wanting would be made to face the full consequences of their actions.

The post read, "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 Brig.-Gen. 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 'Brekete' 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".

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