THE Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Etim Essien, of the Headquarters 3 Division in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The Army disclosed this in a statement on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Olumide Olukoya.
“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,” part of the statement read.
The Army said that it considered the allegations serious because it reportedly involved a minor and other vulnerable person.
“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,” it said.
The Army noted that it would be inappropriate to make definitive pronouncements on the culpability or otherwise of the officer while the investigation was ongoing, adding that it remained committed to due process, fairness and the protection of the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
It also noted that relevant civil authorities were investigating the matter and assured that the Army would cooperate fully with them to ensure that the allegation is investigated thoroughly and transparently in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
“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.”
It urged the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information capable of prejudicing the investigation or compromising the privacy and wellbeing of those involved, particularly any minor.
“Further information will be provided as appropriate, subject to the requirements of the law and the integrity of the investigative process,” it added.
According to a SaharaReporters report on September 9, Essien was accused of sexually abusing a physically-challenged 13-year-old girl. The girl was reportedly living with Essien and his wife, Blessing, who was said to be the minor’s step-sister.
The report alleged that the girl became pregnant while in the couple’s care and subsequently gave birth. It further claimed that the pregnancy was concealed and that the child delivered by the minor was subsequently being cared for by the minor’s older step-sister.
In a phone conversation recording obtained by the platform, Blessing reportedly acknowledged her involvement in the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and appealed for the matter to be resolved within the family.
A source familiar with the incident said that Essien had been married to Blessing for several years without having a child, and the 13-year-old girl was brought to live with the couple after Blessing took responsibility for her welfare and education.
The source alleged that the captain’s wife was involved in arranging circumstances that enabled her husband to have sexual relations with the minor in the hope that the girl would become pregnant and provide the couple with a child.
Nanji is an investigative journalist with the ICIR. She has years of experience in reporting and broadcasting human angle stories, gender inequalities, minority stories, and human rights issues. She has documented sexual war crimes in armed conflict, sex for grades in Nigerian Universities, harmful traditional practices and human trafficking.