Nigerians Deserve Better: President Tinubu Must Push for Police, Not Military, Investigation, by John Egbeazien Oshodi

In Abuja, a chilling case of alleged military overreach has come to light, raising critical concerns about the abuse of power, human rights violations, and blatant disregard for constitutional protections in Nigeria. A couple, Mr. Vershima Mker and Ms. Lami Jennifer Iorvihi, have reportedly accused Major General G.S. Mohammed and Corporal A. Abubakar of perpetrating severe physical and psychological brutality in what appears to be a blatant misuse of military authority.

The incident reportedly began when Mr. Mker overtook the Major General’s convoy on 3rd Avenue, Gwarinpa. Despite complying with the convoy’s sirens, the couple was forcibly stopped, dragged out of their car, and subjected to severe physical and verbal assault. Shockingly, they were handcuffed, forced into the trunk of a vehicle, and unlawfully detained at the Gwarinpa Police Station for eight hours under the directive of the Major General. What makes this incident even more alarming is the Major General’s audacity to further misuse his authority by involving the police in what appeared to be a calculated attempt to mask his wrongdoing. While taking the victims to a police station may seem like the correct procedural step, the rule of man, rather than the rule of law, prevailed. Instead of questioning the victims and immediately identifying the obvious perpetrators—evident from the blood and injuries on the victims—the police failed to act justly. They should have promptly arrested the Major General and his men, as the evidence of assault was unmistakable. This failure to uphold the rule of law only underscores the deep systemic issues of impunity and selective justice in Nigeria.

The details of the case, as presented in the petition filed by the victims through their legal counsel, Tom Uja& Co., paint a harrowing picture of abuse and coercion. The couple has demanded the immediate dismissal of Major General Mohammed and Corporal Abubakar, alongside N150 million in compensation for the injuries, trauma, and gross violations of their rights. In an even more appalling twist, the General reportedly coerced the couple to write an apology under duress before their release. Accompanying evidence, including photographs and videos allegedly showing the assault, has been attached to the petition. These materials not only substantiate the claims but stand as a damning indictment of the impunity with which the military personnel operated. The couple has set a November 18, 2024 deadline for their demands, threatening to release the evidence publicly and pursue civil litigation if action is not taken.

The injuries suffered by the victims add another layer of gravity to this case. Mr. Mker reportedly sustained severe rib and eye injuries that require international medical attention, while Ms. Iorvihi suffered a fractured finger. The physical pain, coupled with the psychological trauma inflicted, underscores the inhumanity of the incident. This is not just a case of physical assault—it is a glaring example of the systemic abuse of power and the erosion of fundamental human rights by those entrusted with the responsibility to protect.

What makes this case even more concerning is the military’s habitual tendency to shield itself from civilian accountability. Despite the clear civilian nature of this incident, the military has signaled its intention to conduct an internal investigation. This approach is neither impartial nor democratic. Nigeria is no longer under a military regime, and such unilateral actions by the armed forces run counter to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. A military institution cannot be allowed to investigate itself when its members are accused of crimes against civilians. Such self-investigations only serve to protect the perpetrators and reinforce a culture of impunity.

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede and Major General Onyema Nwachukwu must understand that in any democracy—imperfect as it may be—justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done. This case clearly falls within the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Police Force, the constitutionally mandated body for handling domestic criminal matters. President Bola Tinubu must urgently and decisively intervene, demanding that this case be transferred to the police to ensure a fair, equitable, and transparent investigation. Anything less would fail to uphold the democratic principles that Nigeria claims to uphold.

Allowing the military to manage this case internally poses significant risks beyond this incident. It establishes a dangerous precedent where military personnel may act with impunity, knowing they will not be held accountable under civilian law. Such a situation undermines public trust in the armed forces and erodes confidence in Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and human rights. The military’s role is to protect the nation, not to intimidate its citizens.

Furthermore, this case highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to address the abuse of power within Nigeria’s military. Mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that cases involving military personnel and civilians are handled by independent, civilian-led investigative bodies. This would not only promote transparency and accountability but also help restore public trust in the armed forces.

The statements from Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede and Major General Onyema Nwachukwu are nothing short of an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians. The so-called “immediate investigation” and claims that “the circumstances surrounding the incident are currently unclear” reek of defensiveness and obfuscation. This attempt to dilute the gravity of the situation is a glaring example of institutional evasion rather than accountability. The video evidence circulating widely on social media clearly shows the brutal actions of a senior Army officer and two soldiers assaulting civilians. There is nothing “unclear” about what transpired; the facts are stark, undeniable, and demand immediate accountability, not empty promises of internal reviews.

Such vague assurances of “due diligence” are not only hollow but also indicative of a systemic failure to address military misconduct transparently. Nigerians are tired of these cyclical statements that lead nowhere and protect wrongdoers under the guise of internal investigations. These defensive remarks only strengthen the argument for President Tinubu to act decisively by transferring this case to the Nigerian Police Force, the constitutionally mandated body to investigate domestic crimes.

The Army’s internal investigation is neither impartial nor credible in a situation where its own personnel are the accused. This is a clear conflict of interest, and the public sees through it. The President must demand that the Nigerian Police Force take over immediately, ensuring an unbiased and thorough investigation. Anything less is an affront to justice and a perpetuation of the impunity that continues to erode public trust in Nigeria’s institutions. The time for defensive rhetoric is over—what Nigerians demand is action and accountability.

President Tinubu’s intervention in this case would send a strong message about his administration’s commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law. By transferring this investigation to the police, he would reaffirm Nigeria’s dedication to upholding democratic values and protecting the rights of its citizens. The public demands accountability, and the victims deserve justice. This is not just about one couple’s ordeal; it is about the integrity of Nigeria’s institutions and the sanctity of its democracy.

The time for action is now. President Tinubu must ensure that this case is handled with the seriousness it deserves. The military cannot be allowed to continue investigating itself, and the Nigerian Police Force must be empowered to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation. Anything less would be a betrayal of the victims, a disservice to the nation, and a step backward for Nigeria’s democratic progress.

The 1-minute-and-57-second video serves as a stark illustration of unchecked authority and its devastating psychological impact on the victim. The man is heard groaning in evident pain, his voice strained as he pleads with the soldiers to stop their assault. His repeated cries of “Please, I beg you, stop!” are ignored, showcasing a chilling disregard for his humanity. The soldiers’ actions continue unabated, with one of them shouting, “How did I pass your car! How did I pass your car! Oh My God!”—a phrase that underscores the irrationality and rage driving the assault.

From a psychological perspective, this incident reflects a deeply traumatic experience for the victim. The helplessness in his voice signals acute distress, as he is rendered powerless in the face of overwhelming aggression from individuals entrusted with authority. Such experiences are likely to result in long-lasting mental health repercussions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The public nature of the assault compounds the humiliation and fear, leaving the victim with not only physical injuries but also the psychological burden of being dehumanized in front of bystanders.

This case highlights the profound psychological damage caused by abuses of power, where the victim’s autonomy and sense of safety are violently stripped away. The dismissive attitude and unchecked aggression displayed by the soldiers also underscore the systemic failure of mechanisms designed to uphold human dignity and protect civilians from such treatment. Addressing the psychological impact of incidents like this requires a justice system that prioritizes accountability and ensures that victims are treated with respect and afforded the opportunity for recovery and closure.

In a democracy, allowing the military to investigate itself is fundamentally flawed and undermines the principles of fairness, accountability, and transparency. Such a practice is akin to a suspect being given the authority to act as judge and jury in their own case, which inevitably raises questions of bias and conflicts of interest. The military, as an institution, holds immense power, and without external oversight, there is a significant risk of shielding wrongdoers, manipulating evidence, or downplaying the severity of incidents. This not only erodes public trust but also fosters a culture of impunity where accountability is replaced by institutional self-preservation. In contrast, democracies operate on the principle that no one is above the law, and independent bodies, such as the police, are tasked with investigating wrongdoing to ensure impartiality. By allowing the military to investigate itself, the state fails its duty to protect its citizens and uphold justice, turning the promise of democracy into a hollow facade.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic/clinical psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at ISCOM University,  Weldios University and Walden University.