The House of Representatives Committee on Navy has declared its readiness to investigate the treatment of Seaman Haruna Abbas, a military officer, who allegedly fell victim to misconduct within the armed forces.
Seaman Abbas has reportedly been unlawfully detained for nearly six years, allegedly on the orders of Brigadier General MS Adamu.
This was revealed by his wife, Mrs. Hussaina Iliyasu, when she appeared on a human rights TV program, “Berekete,” alleging that her husband has been detained since 2018 following a misunderstanding with Brigadier General Adamu during a joint operation in Taraba state.
Reacting to the allegations, in a press statement issued on Monday via the Committee Chairman, Rt Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, the lawmakers pledged to uncover the truth in the case and ensure that all individuals involved in the violation of Seaman Abbas’ rights are held accountable.
The statement reads: “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.
“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 operation 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 out 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.”
