The Defence Headquarters has announced the dismissal ‘with ignominy’ of a naval rating, Seaman Haruna Abbas, from service for disobeying lawful military orders.
Dateline Nigeria reports that the wife of the ex-naval rating had accused the military of detaining Abbas for over six years on the orders of a senior Army officer, leading to the military’s pledge to investigate the matter.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said at a news conference in Abuja that Abbas Haruna was dismissed after the Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, ratified the judgement of the court martial instituted by the Defence Headquarters on September 19, 2024.
General Gusau explained that the dismissed seaman was arraigned before a court-martial on a three-count charge bordering on disobedience to orders, resisting arrest and destruction of service property in contravention of Sections 56 (1), 86 (1) and 66 (c) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation 2004.
General Gusau stated that upon his arraignment, the ex-seaman pleaded guilty to the allegations against him.
“Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 was arraigned before the GCM on 3 counts charge of Disobedience to Particular Orders, Resistance to Arrest and Offences in Relation to Public and Service Property contrary to Sections 56 (1), 86 (1) and 66 (c) of the Armed Forces Act (AFA) Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation (LFN) 2004, respectively,” the defence spokesman said.
“At the trial, the GCM deliberated on the testimonies of the prosecution and Defence witnesses as well as the exhibits tendered by the prosecution surrounding the circumstances of the case.
“It is important to note that the ex-rating pleaded guilty to all the charges during the trial. The GCM therefore, considered the nature of the offence committed by the ex rating, his plea of guilty and plea in mitigation of punishment as well as the legal advice of the Judge Advocate in arriving at its verdict,” he said.
According to Gusau, after the trial, the court found Abbas guilty and dismissed him with effect from February 7, 2023, adding that Abbas was subsequently placed on open arrest pending the ratification of the judgment.
“Accordingly, after proceedings, the GCM found Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 guilty on all counts. Based on this, he was sentenced to a Reduction in Rate from Seaman to Ordinary Seaman on Count One and Dismissal with Ignominy on Counts 2 and 3 with effect from 7 February 2023,” he added.
