Army Jails Soldier for Molesting Civilian

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt
The Nigerian Army has sentenced a soldier, Private Suleiman Olamilekan, to 28 days in prison with hard labour for molesting a civilian at a checkpoint.

Olamilekan was found guilty by the 6 Division, Nigerian Army of molesting one Miss Ebere Ohakwe at Omagwa Checkpoint, near the Port Harcourt International Airport.

A statement signed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division Nigerian Army, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said Olamilekan would also forfeit his salary for the period to the federal government
The statement said: “In accordance with the Nigerian Army’s policy of zero tolerance to unprofessional conduct as well as its uncompromising stance on discipline and commitment to the rule of law, 6 Division Nigerian Army has charged, tried and found Private Olamilekan of 6 Division Garrison, Port Harcourt guilty of the maltreatment of Miss Ohakwe.

“He was accordingly sentenced to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour and the forfeiture of his salary for same number of days to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“It would be recalled that there was a report in the social media that the soldier maltreated one Miss Ebere Ohakwe at Omagwa checkpoint along Port Harcourt -Onitsha Road on January 30, 2017.
“This prompted the decision of the authorities of the Headquarters 6 Division to thoroughly investigate the matter with the view to serving justice adequately as required by the laws of the Nigerian Army.

“Consequently, the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Enobong Okon Udoh, ordered the immediate arrest of the soldier and his Guard Commander for investigation and disciplinary action.”
He said the GOC also invited the victim to his office andassured her that the matter would not be treated lightly.
“We wish to assure the public that proactive measures have been put in place to forestall a reoccurrence of such misconduct in the future,” he said.