The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, have called for an immediate investigation into the prolonged detention of Naval rating Seaman Abbas Haruna, who has reportedly been held for nearly six years.
Haruna’s wife brought the issue to public attention during an appearance on a radio station in Abuja, alleging that her husband has been unjustly detained by military authorities.
In response, Matawalle issued a statement on Monday through his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, emphasizing that no military officer should face undue hardship or wrongful treatment. He assured the public that the case of Seaman Abbas will be thoroughly investigated to uncover the truth.
“Our armed forces are founded on principles of honor, discipline, and justice,” Matawalle said. “We are committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their position, is treated fairly and with respect. The rights of Seaman Abbas Haruna will be safeguarded throughout the investigation, and any breach of protocol will be addressed swiftly and decisively.”
The Defence Headquarters, represented by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to fairness and justice. Gusau stated that the investigation, ordered by the Chief of Defence Staff, would be conducted meticulously, with the findings made public in due course.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are dedicated to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” Gusau said. “The military court-martial process ensures that all procedures are followed fairly and equitably.
The Chief of Defence Staff has directed an immediate investigation into this matter, and the results will be disclosed in due course.”
