The Nigerian Army is set to try a female soldier, Private
Sofiyat Akinlabi, who accepted the marriage proposal of an unnamed corper.
Our correspondent learnt that the military authorities are
currently conducting a preliminary investigation that precedes a trial.
An impeccable source in the military who is familiar with
the matter told our correspondent on Thursday that Akinlabi will be tried for
unprofessional conduct including violation of military laws regarding social
media and fraternisation with a trainee – a corper.
Recall that the Army detained
Akinlabi on December 14, 2021, when viral video clips showed her accepting the
marriage proposal of a corper at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation
Camp in Yikpata, Kwara State.
The lovebirds had shared a hug and kiss to the delight of
other corpers at the Mammy market.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General
Onyema Nwachukwu, told our correspondent on December 19, 2021 that Akinlabi
violated military laws by getting involved in a public display of amorous
relationship with a paramilitary trainee – a corps member, vowing that she will
be punished.
Also, the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Shuaibu,
at a briefing in Abuja on December 21, 2021, said though the scheme
“encourage(s) them to inter-marry, we have never had a situation where a corps
member will go and propose (to a soldier)”. He also said that the military
won’t joke with its traditions.
Asked whether the soldier has been released, the top
military source, who craved anonymity because he was not allowed to speak on
the matter, on Thursday said that Akinlabi will be tried in line with
extant military laws.
The military source said, “She is going to go through
summary trial because the offences she committed is not a grievous offence that
will attract court-martial.
“During her trial, if
she is able to prove that she was not the one who did that (posted on social
media), they might overlook it but if she had not violated the military laws by
fraternising with the corper, that wouldn’t have happened.
“During the trial, before the commanding officer who is the
judge, if she is able to prove herself as not guilty, the judge will pronounce
her innocent.”
He also said the disciplinary action that would be taken
against Akinlabi would depend on whether she was a first-time offender or not.
“A lot of things will come into play when she is being
tried. The commanding officer will consider whether she has been a person of
good character before now or otherwise,” the source said, adding that the camp
commandment at the NYSC camp will also be interrogated for allowing the
fraternisation to take place under his nose.
Meanwhile, over 10,000 persons have signed two petitions
domiciled on the Change.org platform, demanding the release of Akinlabi while
human rights activists including Funmi Falana, Omoyele Sowore, Deji Adeyanju
continue to pressure the Army to release the detainee.
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