The Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving Captain Etim Essien, a serving officer attached to the Headquarters of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Jos, after the case involving a minor in Taraba State drew the intervention of state authorities and the National Human Rights Commission.
The latest development is that the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development formally wrote to the Chief of Army Staff on September 8, urging the military to take appropriate administrative and disciplinary action in relation to the allegations, subject to the outcome of investigations and due process.
According to the ministry’s letter, the alleged victim is a deaf and non-speaking minor who was reportedly subjected to repeated sexual abuse while in the care of Captain Essien and his family. The ministry said the matter had also attracted the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, Taraba State chapter, and other relevant authorities.
Woman reportedly arraigned and remanded
One of the more significant new details is the disclosure by the Taraba ministry that a woman allegedly connected with the case has been arrested, arraigned before a Magistrate Court and remanded at a correctional facility in Jalingo, while investigations continue. The reports available do not establish that the woman has been convicted of any offence.
The ministry also reportedly informed the Army that Captain Essien was attending a course at a Nigerian Army training facility in Jaji, Kaduna State, prompting it to formally bring the matter to the attention of the Chief of Army Staff.
Allegations surrounding pregnancy and birth
Reports emerging from Taraba provide additional allegations that go beyond the initial account. They allege that the girl became pregnant while under the family’s care and that the pregnancy was allegedly concealed.
Taraba News reported allegations that the child was kept away from normal public interaction during the pregnancy and subsequently gave birth at home in 2025 rather than at a hospital. The publication also reported an allegation that the newborn was subsequently presented as belonging to the older woman who had custody of the girl. These remain allegations and have not been established by a court or announced as findings by the Army.
Several outlets now identify the girl as being 13 years old at the time of the alleged abuse and describe her as deaf and non-speaking.
Army confirms investigation
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that it is investigating the allegations.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, the Army said it had become aware of reports circulating online and had initiated steps to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations.
The Army stressed that allegations of sexual abuse involving minors and vulnerable people are treated with utmost seriousness. It nevertheless cautioned that the investigation has not established the culpability of any individual, and therefore said it would be inappropriate to make definitive conclusions at this stage.
The military also said it would cooperate with relevant civil authorities investigating the matter and that any personnel found to have violated the law or military regulations would face appropriate action.