The Nigerian Army says it has taken into custody Christopher Emmanuel, who allegedly assaulted a female vendor, Doshima, in Kula, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 401 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi, Capt. Abdullahi Osabo, yesterday.

Osabo said the Headquarters Operation Whirl Stroke took cognisance of the incident, which occurred on May 6 and reported on May 8.

He said the incident might have stemmed from a dispute over an unpaid debt, with allegations suggesting that the soldier claimed the woman insulted him during a phone conversation.

According to him, it is further alleged that this confrontation may have escalated into a physical altercation, which is now under investigation.

“Private Christopher Emmanuel is currently in custody, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for human rights abuses and will take disciplinary action based on findings of the investigation.

“The leadership of the Nigerian Army assures the general public and the victim that justice will be served in line with the military’s high standards.

“OPWS strongly condemns any form of indiscipline or human rights abuse by its personnel,” he said.

Osabo urged members of the public to report any instances of abuse by Nigerian army personnel to the Human Rights Desk helpline instead of using social media.

He gave the assurance that all reports of infractions by army personnel were viewed seriously, investigated, and sanctions applied where personnel were found culpable.

“We appreciate your understanding and cooperation,” he added.

The Supreme Court of Nigeria will hold a valedictory court session on Wednesday, May 14, to honour the late Justice Emmanuel Ogwuegbu, a former Justice of the court who passed away in October last year.

The session is scheduled to take place at 2.pm in the main courtroom of the Supreme Court.

A statement issued yesterday by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the apex Court, Dr Festus Akande, revealed that the late judicial icon died peacefully in his sleep on October 28, 2024, at the age of 91.

Born on March 16, 1933, in Amainyi, Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, Justice Ogwuegbu rose from a humble background to become a towering figure in the legal profession.

He was appointed a judge of the High Court of Imo State in November 1976, serving as Administrative Judge of the Owerri Judicial Division from 1976 to 1979. He later served in the same capacity in the Aba Judicial Division in 1980.

Elevated to the Court of Appeal in September 1987, Justice Ogwuegbu served in the Ibadan and Lagos Divisions before his appointment as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in April 1992.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the judiciary, he was seconded by the Federal Government to serve on the Supreme Court bench of The Gambia from December 1999 to 2002.

He returned to Nigeria to continue his meritorious service at the Supreme Court until his retirement on 16 March 2003.

The valedictory session will be presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

Tributes will be paid to the late Justice Ogwuegbu by the Chief Justice and other key stakeholders in the nation’s justice sector.

The session will also be attended by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).

A total of 86 Nigerian Army captains will be sitting for the 2025 written promotion examination in Benin.

The week-long examination will run from May 12 through May 16 and is being hosted by the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST).

Speaking at the opening session on Sunday in Benin, Maj. Gen. Kevin Aligbe, commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and president of the examination saluted the candidates for reaching this pivotal point in their careers.

He described the examination as a major stepping stone to higher responsibilities and called for professionalism, discipline and zero tolerance for examination malpractice.

“The examination is part of the Nigerian Army’s structured promotion process aimed at building a professional, disciplined and merit-driven officer corps, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision of a capable and responsive force.

“This is an opportunity to make a solid progression in your chosen career.

“Let me assure you that if you have prepared well, you will pass this exam without resorting to any form of malpractice. We expect nothing short of a 100 per cent success,” he said.

According to him, the examination is a key prerequisite for promotion to the rank of major while also urging all participants to give it their best, especially those making a second attempt.

He noted that only three chances were allowed by the army policy.

Mr Aligbe however, warned that any candidate caught cheating, discussing answers in the hall or violating security protocols would be disqualified and made to face further disciplinary action.

He also disclosed that awards and commendation letters, including cash prizes would be given to candidates who rank first, second and third.

He added: “our desire is to see all of you pass”, while assuring fairness and transparency in the marking process.

In his welcome address, Maj. Gen. Adebayo Adegbite, commandant of NASST, said the school was honoured to host the promotion exam.

He noted that the examination marks a critical milestone in the career development of officers.

“You have undergone a rigorous one-month preparatory cadder.

“The mock exam assessed your readiness. We expect good performance.

“Be reminded of the security situation in Benin. Avoid unnecessary movements. Move in pairs and be security conscious,” he said.