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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
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol