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Army Admits Officers’ Involvement In Kidnapping …Court Martial Major, Captains, Others In Rivers
Ostensibly succumbing to the civilian population’s persistent allegations accusing the Nigerian Army of unwittingly encouraging kidnappings, extra-judicial killings of innocent Rivers youths, cult-related violence in communities and other forms of criminalities, the Army High Command has inaugurated a military court martial to prosecute those found culpable in the crimes in the state.
Consequently, no fewer than 14 personnel, including an Army major, two captains and 11 soldiers are among others currently facing a seven-member court martial over their alleged involvement in murder, kidnapping and other serious offences.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division of the Nigeria Army, Major General Jamil Sarham, disclosed this during the inauguration of the General Court Martial at the Army Division (Bori Camp), the Division’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, last weekend.
Sarham stated that the court martial remained one of the apparatus used by the Nigerian Armed Forces to discipline erring personnel; just as he listed other offences of the accused persons as attempted murder, kidnapping, desertion, crime in relation to public and services property, disobedience to standing orders and conducts to the prejudice to service discipline.
Sarham, who is also the Land Component Commander, Operation Delta Safe, said, “The Nigerian Army is a creation of the Nigerian Constitution to carry out specific tasks to support the government effort in providing security for the Nigerian Nation.
He said, “To achieve this, a discipline and professional Armed Forces is imperative and this is in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s vision which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.
“There is no gainsaying that unless such a body of professionals is disciplined, achieving victory in battle and other specified assignments would not be easy.
“Section 131 of the Armed Forces Act therefore conferred on me the power to convene this General Court Martial and by so doing to try the accused persons who have allegedly violated some codes guiding our professional conduct.
“The offences for which the accused persons are being tried ranges from murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, desertion, offences in relation to public and services property, disobedience to standing orders and conducts to the prejudice to service discipline, all punishable under the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
“We have a total of 14 accused persons; three officers and 11 soldiers. Among them is one Major, two Captains, two Staff Sergeants and one Sergeant and others.”
The GOC, 6 Division explained that the accused persons had earlier being thoroughly investigated to ensure that no innocent person was wrongly tried and punished, promising that justice will be done in all the cases.
“The establishment of court martial is predicated on the fact that the Armed Forces of Nigeria holds its personnel in high esteem hence its resolve to ensure that a thorough investigation must be conducted before any suspect can be put on trial as it is in the instant case.
“Let me at this juncture assure all of us that justice will not only be done on this entire trial but be seen to have been done. This is not only because the case against each accused person was thoroughly investigated to ensure that an innocent person is not wrongly tried and punished as I pointed out earlier.
“Also, HQ 6 Division has painstakingly selected credible officers as members of the Court Martial to ensure fair hearing and justice. In addition to that, due regard was accorded to these officers having indebt knowledge of military law and outstanding experience of military duties,” the GOC added.
Major general Sarham however, urge the members to be just and fair in the conduct of the trial to ensure that each accused person was given a fair trial.
He further said, “Trial is not only aimed at seeing that offenders are punished, but to serve as deterrent to others so as to prevent future occurrence. In this light, justice therefore, is a three-way traffic; justice for the accused, justice for the victim and justice for the state.I must state clearly that the accused persons are presumed innocent of the offences charged against them until proven guilty by this court”.
Speaking, the President of the Court Martial, Brig Gen. Bassey Etuk, promised that the court martial would ensure that justice prevailed.
“I want to assure you (Sarham) that based on the confidence you repose in me and my members, we will do justice,” Etuk said.
Meanwhile, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) has condemned reports of the alleged killing of three security personnel of the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) around Gio Community in Tai Local Government Area, Ogoniland, Rivers State by suspected gangsters and cultists, carting away their weapons.
In a statement in Port Harcourt, yesterday, MOSOP said that the killings were uncalled for and dastardly.
The statement reads, “MOSOP condemns the action of the youths and gangsters that allegedly killed the officers and personnels of the Army and Civil Defense Corps and called on the youths of Ogoniland to stop such acts against security personnels posted to Ogoniland on official duties to avoid confrontation with security personnels that would lead to the killing of innocent villagers.
“Because too wrongs cannot make a right, we also condemn the invasion of Gio Community in Tai LGA and surrounding communities by Army personnels from the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army,” MOSOP added, and urged all parties to sheathe their swords, and let peace reign in the area.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana & Dennis Naku
News
NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam
The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.
News
Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence
The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.
The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.
News
Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027
A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.
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