The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has condemned the detention and torture of a Nigerian seaman, Haruna Abbas, by an Army General, and called on the Federal Government to immediately institute a probe and bring the perpetrators to book.
Abbas was said to have been unlawfully incarcerated and subjected to inhuman treatment for six years, and his fundamental human rights were breached. Consequently, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter; just as the House of Representatives Committee on Navy has declared its readiness to investigate the incident.
AYCF President-General, Yerima Shettima, stated, yesterday, in Kaduna: “Recent revelations made by the seaman’s wife, Hassana Abbas, on the Berekete Family Radio in Abuja, brought to light the cruelty and injustice that a man, who dedicated his life to serving his nation, endured in the hands of Brig-Gen Muhammad Adamu and other individuals complicit in this gross violation of human rights.
“According to Hassana Abbas, her husband was not only subjected to wrongful imprisonment but also endured severe psychological and physical torture during his time in custody.”
AYCF demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Abbas and a comprehensive investigation into his case to hold all individuals implicated in this egregious violation of justice to account.
However, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has promised to speedily unravel the circumstances surrounding the purported unjust incarceration of the Naval rating for over six years. Director, Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, said the DHQ “will leave no stone unturned by carrying out thorough investigations on the matter with its outcome made public.”
In a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, Gusau said the DHQ had taken notice of the circulating video clip alleging the unjust incarceration and that the CDS ordered immediate investigation into the matter.
“In response to this allegation, the CDS has directed an immediate investigation into the matter. The outcome of the investigation will be made public in due course,” the statement added.
Also, yesterday, in a statement by the House Committee Chairman, Yusuf Gagdi, the lawmakers pledged to uncover the truth in the case and ensure that all individuals involved in the violation of Abbas’ rights were 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 Brig-Gen Adamu, with a pledge to ensure that all those involved in the saga are made to face the full consequences of their actions.
“The ordeal of Abbas, as narrated by his wife, 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 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.”
