The Nigerian Army says it will investigate the alleged assault of a couple, Vershima Mker and Lami Jennifer Iorvihi, on a road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja by one of its Generals alongside two of his aides.

The incident was captured by the female occupant of the vehicle which Mr. Mker was driving showed Major General G.S. Mohammed, his orderly, Corporal A. Abubakar, and one other soldier, assaulting the couple.

In the video which has gone viral now across social media platforms, as well as messaging apps such as WhatsApp, it could be seen where Mr. Mker was being ordered by Gen. Mohammed and his Orderly to disembark from the car albeit violently.

In the course of forcing the Mker to disembark from the car he was inflicted with an injury on the left side of his head with blood oozing out.  

Upon disembarking from his car, Mr. Mker was dragged to the General’s car, an Army green Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), and then slapped severally and pushed away before the General entered his car and drove off.

Another scene captured one of the soldiers demanding that the lady hand over the phone with which she was recording the incident and when she refused, she was equally assaulted.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, the Director of Army Information, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said the Army authorities were aware of the viral video showing the assault.

He further informed that the acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede had ordered an investigation into the incident, asserting that the veracity of the video, location of the incident and circumstances leading to the altercation were key issues to be looked into.  

“The Chief of Army Staff has directed investigation into the matter. But we have not been able to ascertain the veracity of the video now because we were not privileged or privy to the incident that led to the altercation.”

“So, I can’t make further comments other than the fact that the Chief of Army Staff has directed that it should be investigated.”

“You know you can have a video of where there was an exchange but we don’t know what led to the exchange.”

“Maybe, when the Army hears from the Major General, then we will know what actually transpired. So, right now, the Chief of Army Staff has directed that we should investigate it.”

Section 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution and Section (8) (1) and (3) of the Armed Forces Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (LFN) 2004 provide code of conduct and rules of engagement for the armed forces in internal security.