REVEALED: Why Ex-Seaman Abbas Was Dismissed After Court Martial – DHQ

REVEALED: Why Ex-Seaman Abbas Was Dismissed After Court Martial – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the dismissal of Ex-Seaman Abbas Haruna, citing misconduct and gross indiscipline.

The military said Ex-Seaman Haruna was dismissed following his conviction on three counts of disobedience, resistance to arrest, and offenses relating to public service property.

He said the ruling was delivered by the Military General Court-Martial after an extensive trial, culminating in a sentence that includes a reduction in rank and dismissal with ignominy.

The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau announced this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday while giving update to clarified  the circumstances surrounding his dismissal.

He explained that following the guilty verdict, Haruna was placed under open arrest at Magadishu Cantonment pending confirmation of his sentence.

During this period, his family was allowed visitation rights, which Brigadier General Gusau confirmed during the press briefing.

Gusau said Haruna refused to obey the order and resisted arrest, expending 16 rounds of ammunition to prevent his colleagues from taking him into custody.

He said this reckless behavior led to his trial by a General Court Martial (GCM) from December 20, 2022, to February 7, 2023.

While giving the background on the issue, the DDI said Haruna’a case began during a parade where he continually interrupted his Commanding Officer’s address, prompting an order to report to the guard room.

He said the GCM found Haruna guilty on three counts: Disobedience to Particular Orders, Resistance to Arrest, and Offences in Relation to Public and Service Property.

According to him, he was sentenced to reduction in rate and dismissal with ignominy, effective February 7, 2023.

Gusau said: “The General Court Martial (GCM) found Ex-Seaman Abbas Haruna guilty on all three counts: Disobedience to Particular Orders, Resistance to Arrest, and Offences in Relation to Public and Service Property.”

“The trial was conducted in accordance with the Armed Forces Act (AFA) Cap A20 Laws of the Federation (LFN) 2004. The ex-rating was represented by a defence counsel of his choice and pleaded guilty to all charges.

“The GCM considered the nature of the offence committed, his plea of guilty, and plea in mitigation of punishment, as well as the legal advice of the Judge Advocate in arriving at its verdict.

“The ex-rating’s actions were in no doubt an act of gross indiscipline capable of taking the lives of his colleagues.”

He expended 16 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, which could have resulted in the death of anyone in the vicinity.

The Defence spokesman stated that after the Court Martial, constituted by the DHQ on three-count charges, was confirmed by the Chief of Naval Staff on September 19, 2024, following a review of the Record of Proceedings.

He emphasized that Haruna’s actions demonstrated gross indiscipline, rendering him untrustworthy with firearms.

Gusau said, “The ex-rating cannot be trusted with a rifle or any weapon belonging to the AFN”

His noted that action was in no doubt an act of gross indiscipline capable of taking the lives of his colleagues.

Recalled that the House of Representatives Committee on Navy had previously asked the military to investigate Haruna’s alleged unlawful detention for nearly six years.