The Injustice Within: A Plea for Justice for Seaman Abbas and Others -By Fatima Muritala

We often fear the unknown, but sometimes, our real enemies are much closer than we think—right under our noses. We can sense them, see them, hear them, yet we never know when they might strike. This is why self-protection is crucial. But how do you protect yourself when the predator shares the table with injustice?

Years ago, I lost a dear friend, Hamza, to brutality. He was beaten to death and thrown into a well by a senior officer. She claimed she was only “punishing” him, never imagining he would die from it.

Later, my neighbor, Ibrahim, was falsely accused of theft. Locked up and beaten into a coma, he died from internal injuries just hours after they discovered the item wasn’t stolen. We lost Ibrahim, a man who was like family to us.

There are countless untold stories of human rights violations, suffering, and inhumane treatment within Nigeria’s military system. But what is happening to Abbas Seaman is the worst I’ve seen.

My son, who idolizes officers and loves to salute them, dreams of joining the military. He calls himself ‘Officer’ and wears his love for the profession with pride. But how do I explain to him the injustices some personnel face? How do I tell him that some who wear the uniform may never get the justice they deserve?

To the Nigerian military and human rights organizations worldwide: how many more Abbas Seaman are out there? How many more will lose their lives or freedom because they are low-ranking officers without a voice?

It’s time for action. Abbas and his family deserve justice, and we need laws to prevent these atrocities from happening again. The world is watching, and history will judge us by how we respond.

Today, it’s Abbas and others. Tomorrow, it could be another soldier facing unjust treatment. What we do now will shape the future and determine the freedom of others.

Six years locked up without a chance to live a normal life—losing one’s sanity in the process—is Abbas’ reality. It’s time to break the silence and demand justice for him.

What stories of military injustice have you witnessed in your lifetime?

©️Fatima Muritala

#EndInjustice #HumanRights