Defence Headquarters Launchs Investigation into Nigerian Navy’s Alleged Six-Year Detention of Seaman Abbas
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has acknowledged the circulation of a video online alleging the unjust detention of Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, who has reportedly been held in custody for six years. In a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, on Sunday night, the DHQ reassured the public of the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
The DHQ emphasized that the military court-martial process, while thorough, guarantees fairness, equal opportunity, and justice in line with established military procedures and the law. Following the public outcry, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa ordered an immediate investigation into the allegations.
The DHQ assured that the findings of the investigation would be made public once completed. In the meantime, the public is urged to refrain from spreading unverified information and to remain calm as the matter is addressed.
In a related development, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has also ordered an investigation into the detention of Seaman Abbas, acting in response to a plea made by the officer’s wife, Mrs. Hussaina Haruna, who called for justice in her husband’s case. Through his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle reiterated the government’s commitment to justice, emphasizing that the armed forces are built on the principles of honor, discipline, and justice, and no officer should be subjected to undue hardship or mistreatment.
Matawalle assured that the case of Seaman Abbas would be thoroughly investigated, and the facts would be uncovered, adding that the Nigerian Navy and other relevant authorities would be involved in the investigation. He stressed that the rights of Seaman Haruna would be protected throughout the process, and any breach of protocol would be swiftly addressed.
The Minister also assured the public that the Ministry of Defence remains dedicated to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that no military officer or civilian is subjected to harassment or unfair treatment. He urged all stakeholders and the public to remain patient and calm as the investigation unfolds, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the military and the rights of every individual under the law.
