Navy dismisses officer over ‘attempt to commit sodomy’ with teenager

The Nigerian Navy has dismissed V.N Ukpawanne, one of its personnel, for “attempting to commit sodomy” with a teenager.

In a memo seen by TheCable, Ukpawanne was said to have attempted the crime on October 27, 2021 in Sapele, Delta state.

Ukpawanne was dismissed after a court martial found him guilty of disobeying standing order; attempting to commit sodomy; disgraceful conduct and wrong use of drugs.

A court martial is a military court for members of the armed forces.

The memo with reference NHQ: 08/68/93/A/Vol.XVIII/399 mentioned that the officer was awarded one year loss of seniority, six months imprisonment, another six months imprisonment and lastly, one year imprisonment for all four offences.

“Sequel to Reference A regarding NHQ approval and Confirmation of Court Martial Punishment of the above named officer who attempted to commit Sodomy amidst other offences on 27 Oct 21 with one teenager close to Sapele Stadium, On 15 Aug 22 at about 1035, the officer was officially paraded and his sentences were read accordingly,” the memo reads.

“The charges against the officer include the following: a. Disobedience to Standing Order – punishable under section 57 of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004. b. Attempt to Commit Sodomy – punishable under section 95 of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004. c. Disgraceful Conduct – punishable under section 93 of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004. d. Wrongful use of drug/Controlled Substance – punishable under section 65 (1) of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004.

“Accordingly, the officer in violation of all sections listed above was awarded one year loss of seniority, Six (06) months imprisonment, another Six (06) months imprisonment and lastly One (01) year imprisonment for all four offences. Pertinently, all imprisonment sentences are to run concurrently.

“The dismissed officer is currently awaiting medical clearance from the Naval Medical Centre before handing over to Sapele Correctional Center for commencement of imprisonment term.”