Minister, CDS begin probe of detained Naval rating

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, have ordered an investigation into allegations regarding a Naval rating, Seaman Abbas Haruna, who has been in detention for nearly six years.

Recall that Haruna's wife had indicted the military authorities of unjustly detaining her husband in custody for almost six years in a radio station in Abuja.

Reacting swiftly to the allegations, Matawalle on Monday in a statement through his Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, said no officer was required to be subjected to 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.”

He underscored the need for all military personnel, irrespective of ranks, to be treated fairly 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.

Similarly, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, promised that the outcome of the investigation ordered by the CDS would be made public.

Gusau 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.”