Valentino Damilola Abobare, a dismissed Nigerian soldier, has written a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, seeking reinstatement into the Nigerian Army after enduring months of alleged torture and detention.
Abobare claims he was unjustly dismissed following his participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, which he intended to leverage for career advancement in the military.
Abobare, a native of Ifira Akoko in Ondo State, recounted his ordeal, revealing that he was detained for over seven months at the 231 Battalion in Biu, Borno State. During this time, he faced severe ill-treatment, prompting his fiancée to raise a public outcry that eventually secured his release.
However, this release was followed by his dismissal from the army for going “Away Without Official Leave” to complete the mandatory NYSC programme.
Reports from January 2021 indicated that Lt. Col. M.E. Obi, the then Commanding Officer of the 231 Battalion, detained and tortured Abobare without trial or pay.
His fiancée, Sarah Valentino, had pleaded for help, highlighting that her husband required urgent medical attention due to the harsh conditions he endured. Despite repeated efforts to secure his freedom, her appeals were unsuccessful until her public protest gained traction.
Abobare stated that he had joined the NYSC programme in Ibadan, Oyo State, in 2019/2020 to qualify for a promotion to the Officer’s Cadre in the army.
He had applied for the Short Service Commission but was instead accused of misconduct and dismissed.
Following his dismissal, Abobare pursued numerous channels to appeal the decision, including contacting the Army Legal Service Department in Jos and submitting petitions to the Nigerian Army Headquarters in Abuja. Despite these efforts, his case received no attention.
Since leaving the military, Abobare has struggled to find stable employment to support himself and his family.
He took on roles at John Event Industries Limited, Akure, as an operator and later at the Ondo State Specialist Hospital, Ikare, as a public health inspector.
In his letter to President Tinubu, Abobare expressed his regret over his actions and appealed for leniency. He emphasized his dedication to serving the nation and his desire to contribute positively if reinstated.
The former soldier acknowledged his mistake in attending the NYSC programme while still in service and offered an apology to the government and military authorities.
Abobare’s appeal highlights his passion for military service and his hope for a second chance.
He urged the President to consider his plea, citing his commitment to discipline and loyalty if given the opportunity to rejoin the army.
