Army Jails Personnel For Beating Up Woman

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has sentenced a soldier, Private Suleiman Olamilekan, to 28 days’ imprisonment with hard labour for beating up one Miss Ebere Ohakwe.

The army said Olamilekan was tried and found guilty of maltreating Ohakwe at the Omagwa checkpoint along Port Harcourt-Onitsha Road on January 30, 2017.

A statement on Thursday by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, stated that the erring soldier’s misconduct was reported on the social media.

Suleiman’s salary, according to the statement, will be forfeited to the Federal Government for the same number of days that he will be in jail.

“In accordance with the Nigerian Army’s policy of zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct, as well as its uncompromising stance on discipline and commitment to the rule of law, 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has charged, tried and found Private Suleiman Olamilekan of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt, guilty of the maltreatment of Miss Ebere Ohakwe.

“He was accordingly sentenced to 28 days’ imprisonment with hard labour and the forfeiture of his salary for same number of days to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“There was a report on the social media that the soldier maltreated one Miss Ebere Ohakwe at Omagwa Checkpoint along Port Harcourt-Onitsha Road on January 30, 2017.

“This prompted the decision of the authorities to investigate the matter with a view to serving justice adequately as required by the laws of the Nigerian Army.

“Consequently, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Enobong Udoh, ordered the immediate arrest of the soldier and his Guard Commander for investigation. He also invited the victim (Ohakwe) to his office,” the statement read.

The 6 Division spokesman assured the public that measures had been put in place to forestall a reccurrence of such a misconduct.

It urged members of the public to report any misconduct within Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta states to appropriate superior authorities via the following numbers, 09072509436, 09072509437 and 09072509438.

“We also wish to reassure the general public of our commitment to their safety and security as required by the laws of our great nation,” the statement added.