The alleged detention of an Army Private Akinlabi Sofiyat by the Nigerian Army at Sobi Military Cantonment in Ilorin, Kwara State, after she was pictured kissing a member of the National Youth Service Corps at the orientation camp in Yikpata, Kwara State, has drawn reaction of a fearless Human Rights Activist, Omoyele Sowore.
According to Sowore: “#FreeSofiat The HQ Nigerian Army authorities have denied Army Private Akinlabi Sofiyat access to members of her family and refused to provide her with food, sanitary materials, and medical care. She’s detained under unhealthy conditions in a “guardroom” reported meant for male soldiers.
“Her Commanding officer, Brigadier General AE Abubakar is threatening to send her to an underground cell at the @HQ Nigerian Army dungeon at the Army HQ in Abuja!
“Pte Sofiyat Akinlabi must be released immediately. #RevolutionNow”
We should remember that the Nigerian Army, through the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said that Sofiyat was detained due to the violation of “the following rules of the NA:
“1. Fraternization while on official duty at the NYSC camp. That is, indulging in an amorous relationship with a trainee.
“2. A personnel must have served for three years before he/she can qualify for marriage.
“3. She disobeyed the Armed Forces of Nigeria standing guidelines and directives for the use of Social Media.
“4. Indulging in romance while in uniform.
“5. Her conduct was prejudicial to good order and military discipline.
“All the above, if proven are in violation of extant laws with attendant disciplinary and penal implications.”
Photo credit: Linda Ikeji’s blog
