The Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development has formally written the Chief of Army Staff over allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation of a minor involving a serving Nigerian Army officer, Captain Etim Essien.
In a letter dated September 8, 2026, the ministry said the alleged victim is a minor who is reported to be deaf and non-speaking, adding that the allegations concern repeated sexual abuse while the child was under the care of the officer and his family.
The ministry said the case had attracted the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, Taraba State Chapter, and other relevant authorities.
It further disclosed that a woman allegedly connected with the case had been arrested, arraigned before a Magistrate Court and remanded at a correctional facility in Jalingo while investigations continue.
The ministry said Captain Essien was currently attending a course at a Nigerian Army training facility in Jaji, Kaduna State, and consequently considered it necessary to formally notify the Nigerian Army through the office of the Chief of Army Staff.
Citing the gravity of the allegations, the vulnerability of the alleged victim and the fact that the accused is a serving military officer, the ministry requested the Nigerian Army to commence appropriate administrative and disciplinary procedures, subject to the outcome of investigations, due process and applicable law.
The letter was signed by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Hon. Mrs. Mary Sinjen.
Taraba News had earlier published an extensive report on the case, detailing allegations that the girl, believed to be about 15 years old, had allegedly been sexually abused over a prolonged period while living with her elder sister and the sister’s husband.
According to the earlier report, the alleged abuse was said to have begun when the minor was around 13 years old.
Taraba News had also reported allegations that the child later became pregnant and that the pregnancy was concealed from members of the public.
The report further alleged that the minor was kept away from normal public interaction during the pregnancy and eventually gave birth at home in 2025 rather than in a hospital.
There were also allegations that the elder sister subsequently presented the newborn as her own child, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the custody and identity of the baby.
Another sister who had earlier lived with the couple was also reported to have fled while in Calabar, Cross River State, after allegedly encountering troubling circumstances.
Taraba News had further reported that women’s rights advocate Sarah Bulus became involved in the case and pushed for the alleged victim and members of her family to receive protection and access to justice.
An audio conversation said to involve the woman linked to the case and Bulus had also emerged, although Taraba News stated at the time that the authenticity, full context and evidential value of the recording would ultimately have to be determined by investigators and the courts.
The latest intervention by the Ministry of Women Affairs now represents a significant development in the case, as the allegations have formally been brought to the attention of the Nigerian Army’s highest leadership.
The ministry said it would continue working with the Nigerian Army, National Human Rights Commission, security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure the rights, safety and dignity of the child are protected and that the matter is properly investigated.
Nigerian Army Reacts
NIGERIAN ARMY INVESTIGATES ALLEGATION OF SEXUAL ABUSE INVOLVING SERVING OFFICER
The Nigerian Army is aware of reports circulating online concerning an allegation of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Captain Etim Essien, currently serving at Headquarters 3 Division, Jos.
The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness. Accordingly, appropriate steps have been initiated to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
As the allegation is currently under process of investigation, it would be inappropriate to make definitive comments on the culpability or otherwise of any individual at this stage. The Nigerian Army remains committed to due process, fairness and the protection of the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
The Nigerian Army is also aware that the relevant civil authorities are looking into the matter and will cooperate fully with them to ensure that the allegation is thoroughly and transparently investigated in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
The Nigerian Army places a high premium on discipline, professionalism and respect for human dignity. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, any personnel found to have acted contrary to the law or established service regulations will be dealt with appropriately.
Members of the public are therefore urged to refrain from speculation, the dissemination of unverified information or any action capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation or compromising the privacy and wellbeing of the persons involved, particularly any minor.
Further information will be provided as appropriate, subject to the requirements of the law and the integrity of the investigative process.
OLUMIDE VICTOR OLUKOYA
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director
Army Public Relations
3 Division Nigerian Army
11 September 2026