The Nigerian Army has commenced 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, who is attached to the Headquarters of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Jos, Plateau State, is at the centre of the allegation which has also attracted the attention of civilian authorities in Taraba State.
The Army, in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, said it had begun efforts to establish the facts surrounding the case.
The statement said the Army was aware of reports circulating online concerning the allegation and considered cases involving minors and other vulnerable persons a serious matter.
“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.
The development followed reports that the teenager, who is said to be the younger step-sister of Essien’s wife, Blessing, had been taken into the family’s care in Taraba State.
Sources familiar with the matter said Blessing initially took custody of the girl to enable her to attend school.
However, concerns reportedly arose over the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s stay with the family after allegations emerged that Captain Essien had sexual relations with her, resulting in a pregnancy and the birth of a child.
The case has reportedly drawn the intervention of the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, the Taraba State chapter of the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant authorities.
The Army said any personnel found, at the conclusion of the investigation, to have violated the law or established military regulations would face appropriate disciplinary action.
It reiterated that discipline, professionalism and respect for human dignity remained important principles within the service.
