Seaman Abbas dismissed after firing at officers during arrest

The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday announced the dismissal of Seaman Haruna Abbas, a naval rating, for disobedience to orders.

Abbas’s wife, Hussaina Iliya, had publicly accused the military of unjustly detaining her husband since 2018, specifically naming Brigadier General A.S. Adamu for ordering the detention. Her claims, which went viral, led Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa and Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle to order an investigation.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, addressed the matter, stating that Abbas was dismissed after the Chief of Naval Staff ratified the court martial judgment from September 19, 2024. Abbas faced three charges—disobedience to orders, resisting arrest, and destruction of service property—all contrary to the Armed Forces Act.

According to Gusau, Abbas pleaded guilty to the charges, and the court deliberated on the case, considering the testimonies and exhibits. The court ultimately found him guilty, reducing his rank and dismissing him with ignominy, effective from February 7, 2023.

Gusau also refuted claims that Abbas had mental health issues, presenting medical evidence that deemed him fit to stand trial. He clarified that Abbas’s commander acted appropriately by disarming him after repeated disobedience, which included Abbas firing 16 rounds of ammunition in resistance to arrest.

The investigation stemmed from an incident where Abbas interrupted his commander on a parade ground and refused to obey subsequent orders, leading to his arrest and court-martial.