The Nigerian Army is set to try a female soldier, Private Sofiyat Akinlabi, who accepted the marriage proposal of an unnamed corper, The PUNCH has learnt.
Our correspondent learnt that the military authorities are currently conducting a preliminary investigation that precedes a trial.
An impeccable source in the military who is familiar with the matter told our correspondent on Thursday that Akinlabi will be tried for unprofessional conduct including violation of military laws regarding social media and fraternisation with a trainee – a corper.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that the Army detained Akinlabi on December 14, 2021, when viral video clips showed her accepting the marriage proposal of a corper at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Kwara State.
The lovebirds had shared a hug and kiss to the delight of other corpers at the Mammy market.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, told our correspondent on December 19, 2021 that Akinlabi violated military laws by getting involved in a public display of amorous relationship with a paramilitary trainee – a corps member, vowing that she will be punished.
Also, the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Shuaibu, at a briefing in Abuja on December 21, 2021, said though the scheme “encourage(s) them to inter-marry, we have never had a situation where a corps member will go and propose (to a soldier)”. He also said that the military won’t joke with its traditions.- Punch