Nigerian Army Probes Captain Over Alleged Sexual Abuse of 13-Year-Old

The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse involving Captain Etim Essien, a serving officer attached to the Headquarters of 3 Division in Jos, Plateau State.

The Army disclosed this in a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, following reports of the alleged incident circulating online.

The military said it had initiated steps to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegation, stressing that cases involving minors and other vulnerable persons were treated with utmost seriousness.

“The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness,” Olukoya said.

He added that it would be inappropriate to make definitive comments about the officer’s culpability while the investigation remained ongoing.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to due process, fairness and the protection of the rights and dignity of all parties involved,” he stated.

The Army also confirmed that relevant civilian authorities were examining the matter and pledged to cooperate with them to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation in accordance with the law.

The allegation reportedly concerns a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly abused while in the care of Essien’s family in Taraba State. Some reports claim that the girl, who was deaf and non-speaking, became pregnant and subsequently gave birth. Those details have not been independently established by the Army.

The case has reportedly attracted the attention of the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, the National Human Rights Commission in Taraba State and other relevant authorities.

The Army said any personnel found, after the conclusion of the investigation, to have acted contrary to the law or established service regulations would face appropriate disciplinary action.

It also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information that could prejudice the investigation or compromise the privacy and wellbeing of those involved, particularly the minor.