The House of Representatives Committee on Navy is gearing up to launch a comprehensive investigation into the unlawful detention of Seaman Abbas Haruna, who has been held for nearly six years without trial. The detention, allegedly ordered by Brigadier General MS Adamu, has sparked outrage across the nation, with the committee vowing to hold all responsible parties accountable.
The story of Seaman Abbas, which was brought to light by his wife, Mrs. Hussaina Iliyasu, on the popular Human Rights Television program Berekete, reveals a troubling ordeal. In 2018, Abbas was deployed to Sarti Baruwa, Taraba State, as part of a joint military operation. During his service under Brigadier General MS Adamu, a disagreement occurred between the two, which resulted in Abbas’s prolonged detention. He has been held in inhumane conditions ever since, without the benefit of a proper trial, in direct violation of the Armed Forces Act of 2004.
The emotional account by Abbas’s wife moved many in the Berekete studio to tears, with listeners appalled by the harsh treatment of the naval officer over what appears to be a minor misunderstanding. Brigadier General MS Adamu’s alleged cruelty has ignited widespread condemnation from Nigerians, who have rallied behind Abbas’s case.
Following this outcry, the House Committee on Navy, led by Chairman Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, PhD OON, has stepped in to uncover the truth behind Abbas’s unjust treatment. The committee’s investigation seeks not only to protect the rights of Seaman Abbas but also to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s military institutions. In a country governed by the rule of law, no officer, regardless of rank, should be above the law.
The committee has pledged to ensure that every officer involved in this violation is held accountable, and they are committed to working closely with military authorities to see that justice is served. This investigation is a reminder that the rights of every citizen, especially those serving in our armed forces, must be protected under Nigeria’s legal framework.
