The Nigerian Navy says its attention has been drawn to a news story in the 1 January 2022 edition of the Vanguard newspaper on the detention of one Petty Officer Abubukar AJ since 29 November 2020.
A petty officer is the juniormost of the non-commissioned officer ranks.
In a statement, the Navy Spokesman, Commodore Suleman Dahun disclosed that the news story claimed that the health of the officer has been deteriorating since his detention for an undisclosed offence and that his family has suffered untold hardship arising therefore.
Dahun said that “the Nigerian Navy wishes to confirm that the rating is currently being court martialled for alleged involvement in arms theft and sale.”
He noted that contrary to the impression created in the Vanguard news story, the rating is hale and hearty and has been attending the ongoing court-martial.
Therefore, members of the public are enjoined to disregard the news story and the attempt to stir public sympathy/sentiments over this issue.
He added that it is to be noted that a court-martial is a routine military disciplinary process constituted by a competent authority to try personnel involved in acts of gross misconduct.
Lateefah Ibrahim
