The Defence Headquarters has announced the sentencing of Ex-Seaman Abbas Haruna following his conviction on three counts of disobedience, resistance to arrest, and offenses relating to public service property.
This 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.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, made the disclosure at a media briefing on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Ex-Seaman Haruna, identified by service number N-5759, was found guilty of violating multiple sections of the Armed Forces Act, CAF 820, Laws of the Federation, 2004, which govern the conduct of military personnel.
The charges against Haruna stemmed from an incident during a parade at a coordinating conference for troops participating in Exercise Iyam Akpatuma.
According to Brigadier General Gusau, Haruna interrupted the commanding officer’s address to the troops, defying orders to stand down.
His refusal to comply escalated when he resisted arrest and fired 16 rounds of ammunition, endangering the lives of his colleagues.
This display of indiscipline prompted an immediate investigation, after which Haruna was recommended for trial by court-martial.
The trial, which ran from December 20, 2022, to February 7, 2023, resulted in Haruna being found guilty on all counts.
Haruna was convicted of violating Section 56, Subsection 1, Section 86, Subsection 1, and Section 66, Subsection C of the Armed Forces Act, which cover disobedience to orders, resistance to arrest, and the misuse of public service property.
On Count 1, Haruna was sentenced to a reduction in rank from Seaman to Ordinary Seaman.
For Counts 2 and 3, which relate to resisting arrest and misusing public service property (i.e., expending ammunition without authorization), he was dismissed from the service with ignominy, effective February 7, 2023.
During the trial, Haruna was represented by defense attorneys Barristers Chukwu N. Augustine and Goji Esquire.
Initially pleading not guilty to the charges, Haruna later changed his plea to guilty, a move that prompted a rearrangement of proceedings. Despite the change in plea, the prosecution meticulously presented evidence to substantiate the charges, including testimonies and exhibits.
Brigadier General Gusau emphasized that the evidence presented was overwhelming.
“The general court-martial found the ex-rating guilty of all three charges. The nature of his offenses—disobedience, resistance to lawful arrest, and the misuse of service property—was proven beyond reasonable doubt,” he stated.
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.
The sentencing was ultimately confirmed by the Chief of Naval Staff, with effect from September 19, 2024.