FreeSofiat: Nigeria Army should Release detained Female Nigeria Soldier immediately

The Nigerian Army on Sunday said Sofiyat Akinlabi, who accepted a marriage proposal from a male corps member at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Kwara State, will be penalized for violating military rules and regulations.

We’re demanding the immediate release of the young female soldier being held by the Nigerian Army before it sparks national global outrage.

Furthermore, we condemn the prolonged detention and alleged violation of her human rights by army authorities by denying Sofiyat access to members of her family and refusing to provide her with food, sanitary materials, and medical care. Such gross violation of human right, abuse of power and excessive use of force is absolutely uncalled for and condemnable.

Several videos have been circulated in the past where a male soldier publicly made a marital proposal towards a female civilian. Detaining Sofiyat for accepting a marital proposal from her fiancé, because she is a woman, simply reveals a clear evidence of gender based violence in the Nigerian military and gross abuse of human rights. Sofiyat may not have been aware of the proposal beforehand as the circulating clip showed how shy and surprised she was before accepting the proposal. 

Love Is Not a Crime. The Nigerian Army must release her NOW and unconditionally.