The Nigerian Army has disclosed that it has begun an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Captain Etim Essien, following reports that a 13-year-old deaf and non-speaking girl was allegedly impregnated while in his family’s care.
Essien, based at the 3 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State, is the main person involved in the allegation, which has also drawn the attention of civilian authorities in Taraba State.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, said in a statement on Saturday that the Army has started looking into the facts of the case.
The statement also noted that the Army is aware of online reports about the allegation and treats cases involving minors and other vulnerable people very seriously.
“The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness,” the statement said.
It added: “Accordingly, appropriate steps have been initiated to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident.”
The Army, however, urged restraint pending the outcome of the investigation, stressing that the allegation should not be treated as proof of guilt.
“As the allegation is currently under process of investigation, it would be inappropriate to make definitive comments on the culpability or otherwise of any individual at this stage,” it said.
According to the military, the investigation would be conducted in line with due process, fairness and respect for the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
The Army also confirmed that relevant civilian authorities were independently investigating the matter and pledged to cooperate with them.
“The Nigerian Army is also aware that the relevant civil authorities are looking into the matter and will cooperate fully with them to ensure that the allegation is thoroughly and transparently investigated in accordance with extant laws and regulations,” the statement said.
This development came after reports that the teenager, believed to be the younger step-sister of Essien’s wife, Blessing, was taken into the family’s care in Taraba State.
According to sources familiar with the situation, Blessing first took custody of the girl so she could go to school.
However, concerns were raised about the teenager’s time with the family after allegations surfaced that Captain Essien had sexual relations with her, which led to a pregnancy and the birth of a child.
The case has brought in the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, the Taraba State chapter of the National Human Rights Commission, and other authorities.
The Army stated that any personnel found to have broken the law or military rules at the end of the investigation would face disciplinary action.
It also emphasised that discipline, professionalism, and respect for human dignity are key values in the service.