Army Jails Soldier who Assaulted Actress in Port Harcourt

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A soldier with the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has been jailed for molesting an actress, Miss Ebere Ohakwe, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, few weeks ago.

Few weeks ago, an actress took to social media to complain of being assaulted by a soldier. Her matter was taken up by some interest group, with many of them calling for justice.

Pictures released by the lady showed how badly she was battered by the military personnel, for doing nothing wrong.

It was alleged that the soldier, later identified Private Suleiman Olamilekan, confessed to have assaulted the actress because he was not in a good mood.

In a statement released on Thursday by the Army spokesman, Mr Sani Usman, it was explained that Mr Olamilekan was punished 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.”

The statement said the offending soldier “was accordingly sentenced to 28 days imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) and the forfeiture of his salary for same number of days to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

The Army said after the January 30, 2017 incident at Omagwa checkpoint along the Port Harcourt–Onitsha Road, authorities of the Headquarters 6 Division thoroughly investigated the matter with the view to serving justice adequately as required by the laws of the Nigerian Army.

It said 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 also invited the victim to his office and assured her that the matter would not be treated lightly.

“We wish to assure the general public that proactive measures have been put in place to forestall a reoccurrence of such misconduct in the future.

“We will equally welcome prompt and accurate reports of any such misconduct within Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Delta States to appropriate superior authority via the following numbers: 09072509436, 09072509437 and 09072509438.

“We also wish to reassure the general public of our commitment to their safety and security as required by the laws of our great nation while soliciting the support and cooperation of all towards eradicating all forms of criminality within our society,” the statement said.