News
Army investigates female Soldier’s allegation of abuse by male superiors
The Nigerian Army has promised to investigate the allegations of a female soldier who accused some senior male officers of abuse and intimidation.
In a viral video, a female soldier without uniform accused some senior male officers of overbearing posture after she turned down overtures for serial intimacy.
However, in a statement on Friday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema, said the investigation was to ascertain the veracity of her claims.
Onyema also blamed the female soldier for not seeking redress according to the laid-down procedure.
The statement reads, “The Nigerian Army has been inundated with audiovisuals making the rounds on social media of the unprofessional conduct of a female soldier in mufti who claimed to have been maltreated by some senior officers.
“It is instructive to state that, considering the gravity of the allegations, Nigerian Army, as a disciplined force, will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
“It is crucial to point out that contrary to the claims made in the video, the soldier in question has not exhausted the laid-down procedure for seeking redress in the Nigerian Army. This is aside from Human Rights and Gender Desks established in Army Headquarters and across Nigerian Army formations, where complaints about human rights and gender issues are also entertained.
“The Nigerian Army remains a professional force that self-regulates and conducts its activities in adherence to established rules and ethics while upholding the highest standards of discipline amongst personnel.
“We therefore encourage all personnel to always utilise the established channels for addressing grievances and concerns as a member of a noble and disciplined force.”
Onyema pointed out that based on findings from the investigation, tappropriate actions would be taken
“We assure the general public that the Nigerian Army as an institution is committed to upholding the integrity and morals of its personnel and as such, appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
“We urge the public to allow the investigative process to take its course and refrain from making hasty judgments. The Nigerian Army remains dedicated to serving our nation with honor and integrity,” the statement added.
The case is the latest in series of reports of maltreatment by soldiers of the Nigerian army.
Inibehe Effiong, a public interest and human rights lawyer, recently filed a petition to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
Effiong requested that the Army personnel responsible for assaulting police officer ASP Edet Inyang be identified and held accountable for their actions.
According to him, Inyang was subjected to torture by a group of Army personnel near the Nigerian Army’s 63 Brigade in Asaba, Delta State.
The incident reportedly took place on December 9, 2023, at a store where the policeman had gone to buy personal items.
Similarly, in November 2023, the Adamawa State Police Command headquarters in Yola was allegedly invaded by the Nigerian Army, where an inspector of police identified as Jacob Daniel was killed.
President Bola Tinubu had in December issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Army to desist from carrying out retaliatory assaults on the police or the civilian population over any provocation
News
Senate Approves President Tinubu’s N1.767 Trillion Loan Request
The Senate has granted approval for a $2.09 billion (N1.767 trillion) loan requested by President Bola Tinubu to address the N9.7 trillion deficit in the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary, just 48 hours after the request was submitted to the National Assembly.
President Tinubu, in letters to both chambers of the legislature earlier this week, highlighted the importance of the loan for financing key projects and programs critical to national development.
Following the request, the Senate assigned its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, led by Senator Aliyu Wammako (APC, Sokoto North), to review the proposal. Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Wammako described the loan as vital for implementing the Debt Management Strategy, reducing borrowing costs, extending debt maturity, and bolstering Nigeria’s external reserves.
The committee recommended raising the loan through Eurobonds or similar international financing instruments, subject to market conditions. It also suggested that any excess funds from exchange rate adjustments be directed toward capital projects in 2024 to support infrastructure and economic growth.
The Senate approved the loan unanimously, with no objections raised during deliberations. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended the Wammako-led committee for its swift and thorough handling of the proposal.
This loan approval is part of the government’s broader strategy to bridge fiscal gaps while focusing on developmental priorities and economic stability.
News
Finland Detains Pro-Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa on Terrorism Charges
Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, has been arrested and detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on charges of inciting public crimes with terrorist intent.
The alleged offence reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021. Finnish authorities apprehended Ekpa on Monday, November 19, marking another chapter in his history of legal confrontations.
A source confirmed Ekpa’s arrest, noting, “He was arrested three days ago. But this is not the first time. He will likely be questioned and released soon.” Ekpa was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same evening.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four additional suspects in connection with terrorism-related charges.
Ekpa has gained notoriety for his leadership of a Nigerian separatist group advocating for an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria. Finnish authorities allege that he used social media platforms to coordinate actions that resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria.
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the NBI stated that the investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to crimes with terrorist intent.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has continued to engage the Finnish government through the European Union (EU) to extradite Ekpa. In August, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters emphasized the dual approach of diplomatic engagement and sustained military operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reiterated the government’s resolve, saying, “The FG would respond appropriately to the Finnish Government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB/ESN.”
Ekpa, who has represented Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP) in local government, currently serves on Lahti’s public transport committee. Finnish authorities continue to investigate his activities, emphasizing the potential connection between his leadership role in the separatist movement and violent actions in Nigeria.
News
Ogun Council Polls: Ex-Rep Amusan hails APC’s Landslide Victory
***Lauds Governor Abiodun’s Leadership
***Tasks New Local Government helmsmen on Grassroots Development
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its sweeping victory in the recently concluded local government elections in Ogun State.
He described the outcome as a clear affirmation of the party’s growing acceptance and connection with the people.
In a statement released by his media office, Hon. Amusan attributed the victory to the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration has prioritized the development of critical sectors, including security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“This victory did not come as a surprise. It is a reflection of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Ogun State. His numerous initiatives, including improved road networks, strengthened security, and better healthcare services, have earned the APC the confidence of the people across all local government areas,” Amusan noted.
The former lawmaker, who previously vied for the governorship, said the APC’s success in all local government areas highlights the effectiveness of the Governor’s grassroots-oriented policies and his ability to inspire trust and unity within the party.
While congratulating the newly elected local government chairmen, Hon. Amusan urged them to emulate Governor Abiodun’s leadership style by focusing on service delivery and fulfilling their campaign promises.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. Their effectiveness in governance plays a crucial role in the overall success of any political system. The new chairmen must prioritize grassroots development and ensure they deliver the dividends of democracy to their communities,” he advised.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun State for their overwhelming support for the APC, encouraging them to continue backing the party as it works to fulfill its promises.
“Our people have shown unwavering support for the APC, and I am confident that with their continued trust, the party will further enhance governance and bring more prosperity to Ogun State,” Amusan concluded.
END
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