Reps panel, military to probe ‘illegal’ detention of naval rating for six years

Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff (CDS), has ordered a probe into an “illegal” detention of Abbas Haruna, a seaman. 

While featuring on Brekete Family, a programme on Human Rights Radio, Abbas’ wife said her husband has “been in custody for over six years without trial on the orders of a senior officer”.

In a statement issued on Monday, Tukur Gusau, acting director of defence information, said Musa has directed an immediate investigation into the allegation.

“The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has taken notice of a circulating video clip alleging the unjust incarceration of a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, for six years,” the statement reads.

“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”.

‘IT’S HEARTLESSNESS’

In a statement on Monday, Yusuf Gagdi, chairman of the house of representatives, committee on navy, described Haruna’s alleged detention as “heartless”.

Gagdi said the committee will probe the incident and ensure the culprits face the full wrath of the law.

“The House of Representatives Committee on Navy has vowed to dig into the unlawful detention of Seaman Abbas Haruna for nearly six years, allegedly on the instruction of one Brigadier General MS Adamu, with a pledge to ensuring that all those involved in the saga are made to face the full consequences of their actions,” Gagdi said.

“The ordeal of Seaman Abbas, as narrated by his wife Mrs Hussaina Iliyasu on ‘Berekete’, a Human Rights Television program, started in 2018 when he was drafted on a joint operations in Sarti Baruwa Taraba state, where he was to serve under the command of Brigadier MS Adamu, but a misunderstanding ensued between the duo, leading to his 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 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 Brigadier General MS 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 ‘Berekete’ 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.”