Sowore demands Justice for assaulted couple, calls for Army General’s prosecution

Detailed Report: Human rights activist and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has called for the arrest and prosecution of Major General G.S. Mohammed and his aides, following a viral video that showed the military personnel assaulting a couple in a public altercation.

The incident, which occurred after a reported traffic disagreement, has sparked widespread condemnation and discussions on the misuse of military power.

The disturbing video, widely circulated on social media on Tuesday, captured the senior officer, Major General G.S. Mohammed, along with Corporal A. Abubakar and other soldiers, physically assaulted a man identified as Vershima Mker and his wife, Lami Jennifer Iorvihi.

The couple, visibly distressed, denied claims that they had bashed the officer’s car, a point that appeared to escalate the confrontation. Despite their protests, the video showed the soldiers repeatedly hitting and kicking Mker as he lay defenseless, with his wife also subjected to physical aggression.

Mker, in the video, is heard asking, “How did I bash your car?” His question, alongside the assault’s intensity, highlighted the disproportionate response of the military officers involved.

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Omoyele Sowore, a well-known advocate for civil rights and a critic of state-sponsored violence, took to his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, @YeleSowore, to decry the incident and demand accountability.

He insisted that Major General Mohammed and the soldiers involved must face justice to prevent further abuses of power by security forces. Sowore also stressed the need for compensating the couple for their ordeal.

“The Nigerian Army keeps brutalizing hapless Nigerians at the slightest opportunity and mostly without provocation; these men in uniform here must serve as examples,” Sowore stated.

He argued that holding the perpetrators accountable would send a clear message and discourage other security agents from engaging in similar acts of brutality.

“They must not be allowed to get away with this, for it is these types of behaviors that led to the massacres of civilians in Odi, Zaki Biam, South East, #EndSARS, #ShiitesZariaMassacre, etc. Enough Is Enough!” he added emphatically.

Commenting on the broader implications of military conduct, security analyst Dr. Akin Adebayo noted that such incidents highlight systemic issues within Nigeria’s security apparatus.

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“Military personnel intervening in civilian matters like street disputes are an alarming misuse of authority. It not only undermines public trust but also erodes the boundaries between military and civil duties,” Dr. Adebayo explained.

Legal expert and human rights lawyer, Barrister Nkechi Ogbonna, emphasized that the behavior displayed in the video contravenes the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards.

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“Military intervention is strictly for scenarios where national security is threatened. When soldiers use their positions to intimidate or harm civilians, it is not just an abuse of power but a direct violation of civil liberties,” Ogbonna pointed out.

She echoed Sowore’s call for the prosecution of the involved officers to reinforce the rule of law.

Sowore’s reference to past instances of military violence, such as the Odi and Zaki Biam massacres, #EndSARS protests, and other confrontations, underlines a recurring pattern of excessive force by security forces against civilians.

These events have historically led to loss of life, significant property damage, and widespread public outcry. Analysts argue that without decisive actions to hold offending officers accountable, such incidents are bound to recur.

Public reactions have echoed Sowore’s concerns, with many calling on the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Army to take swift and transparent actions.

The Nigerian Army is yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. Human rights organizations have also begun to amplify calls for thorough investigations and meaningful reforms within military ranks to prevent future abuses.