The Nigerian Army and relevant civil authorities are investigating an allegation of sexual abuse involving a 13-year-old and a serving officer in Jos, Plateau State.
The officer, Cap Etim Essien, is attached to the Headquarters 3 Division, Jos. The Army said on Saturday that it had begun steps to establish the facts surrounding the reported incident.
The investigation comes after reports of the alleged incident circulated online. The Army said it was working with civil authorities that are also examining the matter.
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In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Lt. Col. Olumide Olukoya, the military said allegations involving minors were treated with utmost seriousness.
Olukoya said the Army would not determine the guilt or innocence of any person before the investigation is completed.
Army promises due process as inquiry continues
“The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness. Accordingly, appropriate steps have been initiated to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
“As the allegation is currently under process of investigation, it would be inappropriate to make definitive comments on the culpability or otherwise of any individual at this stage. The Nigerian Army remains committed to due process, fairness and the protection of the rights and dignity of all parties involved,” he said.
The military also acknowledged that relevant civil authorities were looking into the allegation.
Olukoya said the Army would cooperate fully with those authorities so that the matter could be examined in line with existing laws and regulations.
“The Nigerian Army is also aware that the relevant civil authorities are looking into the matter and will cooperate fully with them to ensure that the allegation is thoroughly and transparently investigated in accordance with extant laws and regulations,” he added.
The case involves both military and civil authorities as investigators work to establish what happened. The Army has not disclosed the outcome of the inquiry or made any finding against the officer.
The military said its position on discipline applied to all personnel and that conduct against the law or service regulations would attract appropriate action where established.
“The Nigerian Army places a high premium on discipline, professionalism and respect for human dignity. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, any personnel found to have acted contrary to the law or established service regulations will be dealt with appropriately,” he stated.
The Army also appealed to members of the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the case.
It said speculation could affect the investigation and could also harm the privacy and wellbeing of people involved in the matter.
The military made particular reference to the need to protect minors during the investigation. It said caution was necessary to safeguard their privacy and welfare as the authorities work to establish the facts.
The Army has withheld any final judgment on the allegation until the investigation is completed. Any disciplinary action against personnel found culpable will come after the inquiry, in line with the law and established service regulations.
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