13-Year-Old Deaf Girl Allegedly Impregnated: Nigerian Army Moves Against Serving Captain Amid Investigation
By Passman Akpos
The Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving Captain Etim Essien, a serving officer currently attached to Headquarters 3 Division, Jos, after reports emerged accusing him of sexually abusing and impregnating a 13-year-old deaf and non-speaking girl in Taraba State.
The Army confirmed on Friday that it was aware of reports circulating online concerning the allegation and said appropriate steps had been initiated to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the case.
The allegation has also attracted the attention of the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Taraba State chapter, and other relevant authorities.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, the girl was allegedly living under the care of Captain Essien and his wife, Blessing Essien, who is reportedly the minor’s older step-sister.
Sources cited in the report alleged that the girl was initially taken into the couple’s care with the intention of ensuring that she attended school, but that circumstances surrounding her stay later became the subject of investigation following allegations that Captain Essien had sexual relations with her, resulting in pregnancy.
The allegations have drawn particular concern because the girl was reportedly 13 years old, deaf and non-speaking at the time of the alleged abuse.
SaharaReporters also reported that Blessing Essien had been arrested, arraigned before a Magistrate Court and remanded at a correctional facility in Jalingo, where she is reportedly currently staying with the baby.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development in Taraba State, Mrs Mary Sinjen, reportedly confirmed that the baby remains with Blessing Essien in custody because she is breastfeeding the child.
The commissioner said the minor is currently staying with her parents while government authorities continue to monitor her welfare.
Sinjen also disclosed that the Taraba State Government had formally written to the Nigerian Army concerning the allegations.
In a letter dated September 8, 2026, titled “Notification of Alleged Sexual Abuse of a Minor Involving a Serving Officer—Captain Etim Essien,” the ministry informed the Chief of Army Staff about the allegations and requested appropriate action subject to the outcome of investigations and due process.
The ministry described the alleged victim as a deaf and non-speaking minor and said the allegations concerned alleged sexual abuse and exploitation while the child was under the care of the officer and his family.
It further informed the Army that the matter had attracted the intervention of the ministry, the NHRC and other relevant institutions.
The ministry also stated that Captain Essien was believed to be attending a course at a Nigerian Army training facility in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the time of the notification.
Meanwhile, Captain Essien, through his lawyer, G.T. Ieave, Esq., has rejected the account of the incident circulating on social media.
The lawyer said the narrative being circulated did not accurately reflect what transpired.
“Our attention has been drawn to speculations circulating on social media that a 15-year-old girl was impregnated and her baby taken from her,” the lawyer stated.
“As counsel in the matter, we wish to state that this account does not accurately reflect what transpired, and we are monitoring closely the situation as events unfold.”
The lawyer further said the matter was already before a competent court and that the police were conducting discreet investigations to establish the facts.
He urged members of the public to avoid speculation and media trial, stressing that the rights and welfare of all parties should be protected.
Army: Investigation Underway
In its official statement, the Nigerian Army said it takes allegations of sexual abuse, particularly allegations involving minors and vulnerable persons, with the utmost seriousness.
The Army, however, cautioned against drawing conclusions about the culpability of any individual while the investigation is ongoing.
“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,” said Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division Nigerian Army.
The Army also confirmed that civil authorities are looking into the matter and pledged to cooperate fully with them.
It said its investigation would be conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and emphasised its commitment to due process, fairness and the protection of the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
The Army further stated that any personnel found, after investigation, to have acted contrary to the law or established military regulations would face appropriate action.
The military urged members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or taking actions capable of prejudicing the investigation.
It particularly appealed for the privacy and wellbeing of any minor involved in the matter to be protected.
The Army said further information would be released when appropriate, subject to legal requirements and the integrity of the investigative process.
The case therefore remains under investigation, with the Nigerian Army, Taraba State authorities, the police, the NHRC and other relevant institutions expected to establish the facts and determine whether any criminal or disciplinary offences were committed.
