The Nigerian Army says the female soldier who was caught on camera manhandling Ifeyinwa Ezeiruaku, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River State capital, will face trial for misconduct.
In a video that went viral on social media, Lieutenant Chika Anele is seen bathing Ezeiruaku, who was on her knees, with what looked like muddy water after which she hit her with a bowl. The video has since generated outrage among the public.
Although army spokesman Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu did not mention the soldier’s name in a statement on Thursday, he however condemned the treatment of the NYSC member.
“The Nigerian Army (NA) has taken cognizance of a video clip currently making the rounds on the social media, where a female officer was seen dehumanizing a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River State. This act is not only condemnable but unprofessional and against established precepts of discipline in the NA,” he said.
Addressing the matter further, Nwachukwu said, “For the records, the ugly incident happened in 13 Brigade, Calabar. The Brigade Commander immediately instituted an investigation and the officer involved has been identified and sanctioned on the interim and would be made to undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act. The submission that the Brigade attempted covering up was therefore misleading, as the NA remains a professional force that has zero-tolerance for indiscipline amongst its personnel.”
The army apologised to Ezeiruaku, her family members, friends, NYSC and to Nigerians in general “for the unwholesome treatment meted out to the Corps member.”
