DHQ dismisses Naval rating Abbas for professional misconduct

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said Seaman Abbas Haruna has been dismissed from the Nigerian Navy for professional misconduct by destroying service property, resisting arrest, and disobeying particulars.

The Director Defence Information Brigadier General Tukur Gusau announced his dismissal on Wednesday in Abuja at a briefing.

He said the Ex-Seaman Abbas Haruna with service number M5759 was arraigned before the General Court Martial on three-counts-charge of Disobedience to Particular Orders, Resistance to Arrest and Offences in Relation to Public and Service Property contrary to Sections 56 (1), 86 (1) and 66 (c) of the Armed Forces Act (AFA) Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation (LFN) 2004, respectively.

He said the General Court Martial was convened by the Defence Headquarters Garrison from 2022-2023 where he was fairly tried and dismissed.

He said “Accordingly, at the conclusion of proceedings, the GCM found Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 guilty on all counts. Based on this, he was sentenced to Reduction in Rate from Seaman to Ordinary Seaman on Count One and Dismissal with Ignominy on Counts 2 and 3 with effect from 7 February 2023.

“Thereafter, the ex rating was placed on open arrest at the arrival hall in Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja pending confirmation of the sentences by the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS). The Record of Proceedings (ROP) of the trial was forwarded to DHQ on 27 June 2023 and subsequently transmitted to Naval Headquarters (NHQ) on 8 August 2023. The sentences of the GCM were thereafter confirmed by the CNS with effect from 19 September 2024,”.

READ ALSO: Seaman Haruna detention: What actually transpired

Gusau said contrary to speculations, the ex rating was certified mentally fit to stand trial,adding that he was “not under the influence of drugs “when he disobeyed superior orders”.

He explained that Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 was a rating of the Nigerian Navy who last served under Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA which was a joint operation under DHQ.

He said that the case started when the Ex-Seaman was found misbehaving during a parade.

“Specifically, the ex rating was part of the parade during a coordinating conference of the Commanding Officer (CO), when he was addressing troops of Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA preparing for operation. While the CO was addressing the troops, the ex rating continually interrupted the address which warranted the CO to direct him to report to the guard room.

“However, the rating refused to obey the order. Thus, the CO directed his arrest but the ex rating resisted and expended 16 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition belonging to the NN with the aim of preventing other soldiers from taking him into custody.

“Consequently, investigation was conducted and the ex-rating was recommended to be tried by court-martial. The ex-rating was eventually tried by a General Court Martial (GCM) from 20 December 2022 – 7 February 2023. Notably, the trial of Ex Seaman Abbas Haruna M5759 by GCM was based on the authority that as serving personnel, he was subject to both military and civil laws.”

Speaking further, Gusau said despite the Ex-Seaman’s change of plea to guilty, the prosecution led evidence by highlighting the various elements of each of the charges to be proved beyond reasonable doubt in order to secure conviction against the ex rating.