Nigerians on social media have celebrated the release of Private Hannah Sofiat Akinlabi, a female soldier detained after video clips of her being proposed to by a male corps member at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp in Yikpata, Kwara State, went viral on social media.
SaharaReporters had reported that the female soldier was ordered to be detained by Captain MM Abdulahi, Kwara State NYSC Camp Commandant, at a military detention facility in Ilorin, the state capital, pending further investigations.
A military source had said she was detained for not being “due for marriage, romancing on uniform publicly, absent on parade, indiscriminate behaviour, doing other things aside from her purpose in NYSC camp, disobedience to standing order of social media rule and disobedience to ethics and tradition of the Nigerian Army”.
Akinlabi’s arrest and detention were widely condemned by civil society groups and Nigerians in general, who described it as gender discrimination by the Nigerian Army.
However, on Saturday, the Spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, announced her release.
He said, “I can confirm to you that an order has been made for the soldier to be freed and enjoy the Christmas with her family and friends with a serious warning for her not to repeat such act again.”
Since then, many Nigerians have taken to their social media handles to celebrate the release of the young lady as many called for support for the young couple.
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore who had earlier started a petition on change.org stated, ”It is a new dawn for women rights! We will all attend this life-changing wedding. #Revolutionnow #FreeSofiat.”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa noted in a Facebook post, ”I will like to know where and when this wedding will take place for all lovers of freedom to attend and encourage the couple. Aluta Continua.”
Reacting to the report of her release, a Facebook user, Pablo Onyekwelu noted, “Thank you very much officers and men of the Nigerian army, we will attend her wedding if no condition is attached to her release, thank you, she will not stop being a combat soldier.”
Another user, Great-ottuduoma Dynasty posted, “When is the wedding day? We want to make it a national wedding. Lets everyone come out and contribute to fund this national marriage now to shame those who want to put asunder.”
Oyewole Ademola Oluwaseun said, “Congratulations you earn it, no matter what it cost. Enjoy your marriage in peace. You are a pacesetter.
“Female soldiers, be ready more civilian guys are coming with genuine love.
Life is nothing without happiness and genuine love. Everybody irrespective of their personality or status deserve to love and be loved! You won!”
Alabama Yemight stated, “Congratulations, fix the marriage date and we shall paint the venue red.”
Aku-wealth Danielle instead highlighted the role of Sowore and human rights lawyer, Femi Falana in the release of the female soldier as he wrote, “Welcome development, thanks to Omoyele Sowore and Femi Falana.”
Comrade Bayo Ogunleye stated, ”All NCP in Lagos State Chapter will like to be in attendance once we have prior notice of the wedding on time. If Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) happened to be alive, I know he will definitely be in attendance as well.”
Valentine Sampson noted, “Keep up the good work! I wish I attend this wedding whenever it will be held.”
We thank God for her release, God bless you sir because this African society is messed up. How can a female soldier be detained because of marriage, a failed society
— Blessingesure (@pweetymichie) December 26, 2021
