KA Uzorh, one of the Ordinary Seamen reportedly tortured and brutalized by Lieutenant Commander Ekah, the Regulating Officer (RO) of the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, as previously reported by The Bureau Newspaper, is currently hospitalised.
Sources informed The Bureau Newspaper that Uzorh sustained injuries during the assault, which have significantly impacted his physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
The Bureau Newspaper had earlier reported an alleged assault by Ekah on 18 junior personnel.
A military source who shared a video of one of the personnel who was brutalised by the Naval officer had said they were flogged for arriving late to parade mustering on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
“It’s about the action by Lt Cdr Ekah to subject 18 personnel to flogging for arriving late to parade mustering on Saturday, January 18, 2025. All of them are currently undergoing a course, and while punctuality is a key element of naval discipline, I believe this punitive measure is highly inappropriate and excessive,” the source had said.
“Flogging as a disciplinary action is outdated and inconsistent with the values and principles of a modern naval force. It not only undermines the dignity of the individuals involved but also risks demoralising the affected personnel and their peers.
“Such actions can have long-term negative effects on morale, teamwork, and the trust between leadership and subordinates.”
According to another source, it is essential to consider whether mitigating circumstances contributed to the lateness.
“Late arrival, while not acceptable, does not justify corporal punishment, especially when alternative corrective measures—such as counselling, warnings, or extra duties—are available and better suited to maintaining discipline and professionalism,” the source recently told The Bureau Newspaper.
“We strongly request that this incident be thoroughly investigated, and that measures are put in place to ensure that discipline is enforced in a manner that upholds the respect and dignity of naval personnel.
“Furthermore, Lt Cdr Ekah’s decision should be reviewed to determine its appropriateness and adherence to naval regulations.
“Discipline is critical to the operational efficiency of the Navy, but it must be balanced with fairness, respect, and adherence to the principles of justice.”
Efforts by The Bureau Newspaper to reach Lieutenant Commander Ekah were unsuccessful, as the phone number belonging to him was found to be switched off.
