Northern Elders condemns torture, incarceration of Lt. Col Abbas

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Sunday, condemned the “unjust treatment” inflicted on Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Abbas, a military officer allegedly subjected to egregious misconduct within the armed forces.

The condemnation follows a disturbing account by Mrs. Husaina Abbas, who detailed the wrongful imprisonment of her husband during an appearance on Berkete Family TV in Abuja.

She revealed that Lieutenant Colonel Abbas had been sentenced to six years of imprisonment by his superior, Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad S. Adamu, the commander of his battalion.

NEF, in a statement by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, stresses that the armed forces, as a cornerstone of national security, must exemplify ethical behavior and accountability.

He said that the punishment reportedly stems not from any criminal activity or misconduct, but from Abbas’s commendable act of gathering his soldiers for prayer, a testament to his dedication to their moral and spiritual well-being.

Suleiman said: “The Northern Elders Forum hereby calls for swift justice for Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Abbas and his family. We demand that the military hierarchy take immediate steps to review this case and provide the necessary support for Colonel Abbas’s rehabilitation.

“It is critical that the injustices he has faced be addressed with urgency to restore his dignity and that of his family.

“Moreover, we call for a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and any similar abuses within the military ranks. It is our belief that a culture of accountability and adherence to the rule of law must prevail within our armed forces to ensure the protection of personnel and the upholding of their rights.

“Our soldiers must be allowed to carry out their duties without the fear of persecution for actions that are not only lawful but commendable.”

The NEF called on all authorities to reflect on their actions and their impact on their subordinates. Injustice, such as that experienced by Lieutenant Colonel Haruna Abbas, must not be tolerated.

The Forum stands firmly against practices that foster fear and suffering instead of camaraderie and respect.