Assault on Couple by Nigerian Army Officers Caught on Video
A disturbing video has gone viral, showing the brutal assault of a couple by Nigerian Army officers in Abuja. The incident occurred on 3rd Avenue in Gwarinpa, where Mr. Vershima Mker and Ms. Lami Jennifer Iorvihi were allegedly attacked for overtaking a military vehicle. The video, shared by journalist Oseni Rufai, shows Mker being repeatedly struck while his partner, Iorvihi, screams for help.
In the footage, Mker is seen asking the soldiers, “How did I pass your car?” before being violently hit by one of the officers, identified as Major General G.S. Mohammed, and his aide, Corporal A. Abubakar. As the assault escalates, Iorvihi attempts to record the scene, only to have a soldier aggressively demand her phone. Afterward, the couple was allegedly handcuffed and thrown into a car’s trunk, taken to a local police station, and detained.
Couple Files Petition for Dismissal and ₦150 Million Compensation
The couple filed a petition demanding Major General Mohammed and Corporal Abubakar’s dismissal and ₦150 million in compensation. They seek compensation for physical and psychological harm caused by the unprovoked assault and forced apology. The petition, filed on November 11, 2024, claims the couple endured over eight hours of detention and coercion. The couple’s legal representative submitted the petition, accusing the soldiers of abuse and demanding justice for their mistreatment.
In their petition, the couple described how they had moved aside to let the army convoy pass but were blocked and attacked instead. They further stated that Mker suffered serious injuries, while both individuals endured significant emotional distress.
Army Acknowledges the Incident, Investigation Underway
On November 18, 2024, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army’s spokesperson, confirmed the army’s awareness of the incident. Nwachukwu confirmed the Chief of Army Staff ordered an investigation but expressed uncertainty about the incident’s full context. He cited a lack of access to the complete details of the altercation while discussing the investigation. The Army spokesperson acknowledged the investigation but admitted not having full information on the incident’s circumstances.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the video evidence shared by the couple and witnesses suggests clear brutality, raising concerns about the conduct of military personnel in civilian spaces.
Public Outcry and Legal Threats from the Couple
The couple has made it clear that if their demands are not met by November 18, they will take further legal action. Additionally, they have threatened to release the video publicly, which could escalate the matter further. Their petition emphasizes the need for justice and accountability, calling for the soldiers involved to face legal repercussions for their actions.
The couple’s call for justice has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the abuse of power by military personnel and the need for reforms in the army’s treatment of civilians.
Army Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Misuse of Power
The incident has raised questions about the accountability of the Nigerian Army, especially concerning the conduct of high-ranking officers. Critics have called for more transparency in the army’s internal investigations and for stricter consequences for officers who engage in misconduct.
The couple’s demands reflect broader concerns about human rights abuses and police brutality in Nigeria. Their case could become a significant point of discussion in the ongoing conversation about military reform and the protection of citizens’ rights.
Legal Experts Weigh In on the Case
Legal experts warn that substantiated assault allegations could result in significant legal consequences for the involved army officers. They note the couple’s legal action and compensation demand may set a precedent for future law enforcement abuse cases. Experts emphasize the importance of accountability in law enforcement, as this case could influence similar cases in the future.
As the investigation continues, the public and human rights advocates alike are watching closely, awaiting the outcome of the case and any steps the Nigerian Army might take to address the issue of brutality within its ranks.
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