The Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Captain Etim Essien, who is currently serving at the Headquarters 3 Division in Jos, Plateau State.
The Army said it became aware of the allegation and had initiated steps to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, the military said allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, would be treated seriously.
“The Nigerian Army is aware of reports circulating online concerning an allegation of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Captain Etim Essien, currently serving at Headquarters 3 Division, Jos,” the statement said.
“The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness,” it said.
“Accordingly, appropriate steps have been initiated to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident.”
The Army, however, cautioned against reaching conclusions on the officer’s culpability while the investigation is ongoing.
“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 Army said.
It said the investigation would be conducted in line with due process, fairness and respect for the rights of all parties involved.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to due process, fairness and the protection of the rights and dignity of all parties involved,” the statement added.
The military also disclosed that relevant civilian authorities were independently looking into the matter and pledged to cooperate fully with them.
“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,” it said.
The Army said it places a high premium on discipline and professionalism among its personnel.
“The Nigerian Army places a high premium on discipline, professionalism and respect for human dignity,” the statement said.
It added that any personnel found to have acted contrary to the law or established military regulations would face appropriate disciplinary action.
“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,” it said.
The Army also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information while the investigation is ongoing.
The allegation involves a 13-year-old girl who is deaf and non-speaking. She was reportedly living under the care of Essien’s family in Taraba State and was allegedly impregnated by the officer, resulting in the birth of a child.
The girl was reportedly taken into the custody of Essien’s wife, Blessing Essien, who is said to be her younger step-sister.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Blessing initially took custody of the girl with the intention of ensuring that she attended school.
The circumstances surrounding the girl’s stay with the family later became the subject of an investigation following the allegation against Captain Essien.
The matter has reportedly attracted the intervention of the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, the National Human Rights Commission, Taraba State chapter, and other relevant authorities.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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