The Nigerian Army has vowed to investigate an incident involving Major General G.S. Mohammed and his aide, Corporal A. Abubakar, who were caught on video assaulting a couple, Mr. Vershima Mker and Ms. Lami Jennifer Iorvihi, in Abuja.
The altercation, reportedly sparked by a road rage incident, has drawn widespread condemnation.
In the video that surfaced on social media, captured the moment the senior military officer and his aide physically attacking the couple, after Mr Mker allegedly overtook Major General Mohammed’s convoy in Abuja.
Narrating the incident, the couple disclosed that the officer stopped their car, dragged them out, and subjected them to severe physical abuse.
Following the assault, the couple claims they were handcuffed, forced into the trunk of a vehicle, and taken to Gwarimpa Police Station, where the General allegedly ordered the police to detain them indefinitely.
Responding to the incident, Nigerian Army spokesperson Major General Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed the Army was aware of the video and has initiated a thorough investigation.
“The Chief of Army Staff has directed an inquiry into the matter to ascertain the veracity of the incident,” he stated.
Nwachukwu acknowledged that while the video depicts an altercation, the circumstances leading to the confrontation remain unclear.
“We were not privy to what led to the exchange. Once we hear from the Major General involved, we can determine the full context. For now, the investigation is ongoing,” he added.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many calling for accountability and justice for the victims.
Meanwhile the couple is demanding the “immediate payment of N150m compensation for the assault, inhuman treatment and injury caused to them during the ordeal.
The lawsuit read partly: “We are solicitors to MASTER. VERSHIMA MKER and MISS. LAMI JENNIFER IORVIHI on whose full and firm instructions we demand for the immediate dismissal of Major General G.S. Mohammed and Corporal A. Abubakar and the sum of N150 million for their inhuman treatment of our clients by beating, subjecting them to abuse, wounding and causing them to be detained at the Police without them committing any known crime.
“Our clients are university graduates who are intending to get married soon and as part of their preparations, were in Gwarinpa vising relations and intending guests.
“While driving on 3rd Avenue, Gwaringpa the said Major General G.S. Mohammed driving with his convoy also joined the road with sirens blaring from behind.
“Despite the crowded sideways, our clients made haste and parked for the Major General.
“Yet the Major General G.S. Musa and his convoy blocked our clients and started beating and insulting them in a way that even prisoners of war are never treated.
“The video coverage and pictures released to us by our clients show Gen. G.S. Musa personally beating up our clients alongside Corporal A. Abubakar.
“The brutal army general and his details handcuffed our clients, pushed them into the boot of one of their vehicles and took them to the Gwarpa Police Station where the Army General ordered our clients to be detained until he would give word for their release.
“And true to his word, our clients were detained for 8 hours until General G.S. Musa personally came to the Police Station with armed soldiers and compelled our clients to write an apology to him under duress before they were released.”
