The Nigerian Army has raised the alarm over the escape of a Major, Akeem Oseni, who was among three of its personnel jailed on Friday for 10 years over the death of a Lance Corporal, Benjamin Collins.
The alarm was contained in a signal sent to all Army Formations in the country as well as the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police.
Oseni, Major Ogbemudia Osawe and Second Lieutenant Nuhu Dogary were on Friday sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for torturing Collins to death by a General Court Martial (GMC) at the Command Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.
The GCM had Brigadier General G. Umelo as President and members as Brigadier General S. Aliyu, Brigadier General A. Edet, Brigadier General N. Mohammed, Colonel K. Ndamadu, Colonel T. Agbor and Colonel I. Tanko.
The signal to the Army formations, DSS and Nigeria Police reads: “The GCM sitting at Army Headquarters Command Mess, Abuja, delivered a judgment on the case between the Nigerian Army versus Major A.A. Oseni, N/12127; Major O.U. Osawe, N/12004; Captain S.E. Amosu, N/13041; and Second Lieutenant N.B. Dogary, N/16390. The accused officers were charged with manslaughter, punishable under Section 105 of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004.
“Findings: Captain Amosu, N/13041, was found not guilty and was discharged and acquitted, while Majors Oseni, Osawe and 2Lt Dogary were found guilty and awarded 10 years’ imprisonment.
“However, after pronouncement of judgement, the accused officers marched out of the court premises with Captain K.S. Chime, and proceeded to Captain J.E Akwaraonwu’s office.
“Thereafter, Major Oseni took an excuse from Captain Chime to use the toilet. At about 7pm same day, Major Oseni was nowhere to be found. A thorough search was carried out within and outside the mess’ premises, but the accused was not found.
“Meanwhile, Major Osawe and 2 Lt Dogary are currently under the Special Investigations Bureau’s custody pending further action. The Army Headquarters Garrrison has mounted a manhunt for the convicted officer. The Nigeria Police and DSS have also been contacted.”
