Nigeria’s Minister and CDS Launch Investigation into Six-Year Detention of Naval Officer

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, along with the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, have ordered a swift investigation into claims that Seaman Abbas Haruna, a Naval officer, has been held in custody for nearly six years without just cause.

Haruna’s wife raised the alarm during a radio program in Abuja, alleging that her husband had been unjustly detained by military authorities for almost six years. In response to this serious accusation, Matawalle issued a statement, through his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, condemning any form of mistreatment within the armed forces.

“Our military is founded on principles of honor, discipline, and justice. No officer serving this nation should endure undue hardship or wrongful treatment,” Matawalle stated. He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the matter to reveal the truth, adding, “This issue will be handled with the utmost seriousness, and justice will prevail. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of our military and ensuring the rights of every individual are protected under the law.”

Matawalle also emphasized the importance of fair treatment for all military personnel, regardless of rank. He assured the public that Seaman Abbas Haruna’s rights would be safeguarded throughout the investigation and that any violations of protocol would be addressed promptly.

In a related development, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, reaffirmed the military’s commitment to justice and transparency. He stated that the CDS had ordered an immediate investigation, and the findings would be made public.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains dedicated to upholding justice, fairness, and the rule of law. The court-martial process, though detailed, ensures equal opportunity and justice in line with military procedures and the law,” Gusau said. He further assured that the outcome of the investigation would be shared with the public as soon as it is concluded.