The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Wednesday that a Military General Court-Martial has convicted former Seaman Abbas Haruna on three charges: disobedience to orders, resisting arrest, and offenses relating to public service property. Haruna’s sentencing included a reduction in rank and dismissal from service with ignominy, effective February 7, 2023.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, revealed the court’s ruling during a briefing in Abuja. He stated that Haruna, identified by service number N-5759, was found guilty under Sections 56(1), 86(1), and 66(C) of the Armed Forces Act, CAP 820, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
The case against Haruna originated from an incident during a parade where he repeatedly interrupted his commanding officer, who was addressing troops preparing for Operation Ayam Akpatuma. When ordered to report to the guardroom, Haruna refused and resisted arrest by firing 16 rounds of ammunition in an attempt to avoid detention.
“The ex-rating disobeyed the lawful orders of his commanding officer and, in a gross act of indiscipline, used his rifle to prevent arrest,” Brigadier General Gusau explained. “His actions could have resulted in the deaths of his colleagues, and this demonstrated a severe breach of trust.”
The court-martial, which ran from December 20, 2022, to February 7, 2023, found Haruna guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to a reduction in rank from Able Seaman to Ordinary Seaman and dismissed with ignominy on the second and third charges.
During the trial, Haruna initially pleaded not guilty but later changed his plea to guilty, which necessitated a re-arraignment. Despite the guilty plea, the prosecution presented evidence to prove the elements of each charge beyond a reasonable doubt. Haruna was represented by his defense counsel, Barristers Chukwu N. Augustine and Goji Esquire.
The sentencing was confirmed by the Chief of Naval Staff on September 19, 2024. Brigadier General Gusau emphasized that the trial was conducted in accordance with military law, and the presence of Haruna’s wife during the proceedings was noted.
“This was an act of gross indiscipline,” Brigadier General Gusau stated, “and the court-martial appropriately sentenced the ex-rating. The decision was confirmed by the Chief of Naval Staff, and justice has been served in line with the Armed Forces Act.”
