The Nigerian Navy has dismissed Lieutenant S.N. Obini and sentenced him to three years’ imprisonment after a Special Court Martial found him guilty of engaging in a sexual relationship with a colleague’s wife.
The Naval Headquarters in Abuja confirmed the verdict, stating that the punishment took effect from November 23, 2024, and was formally executed on August 29, 2025, at the Nigerian Navy Institute of Technology Parade Ground, Sapele.
Lieutenant Obini was convicted on multiple counts, including having sexual relations with a service member’s spouse—an act considered scandalous and unbecoming of an officer—as well as deceiving a witness. The charges were brought under relevant provisions of the Armed Forces Act and the Nigerian Criminal Code.
A legal review affirmed that due process was followed throughout the proceedings. The Navy Board later upheld the court martial’s ruling, emphasizing the Service’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and its commitment to enforcing professional ethics.
Military authorities stressed that the Armed Forces operate under one of the strictest disciplinary frameworks in the country, with court martials serving as a key mechanism for accountability. Over the years, such trials have addressed cases of corruption, desertion, misconduct, and dereliction of duty, often resulting in dismissal, demotion, or imprisonment.
The Navy reiterated that maintaining discipline is vital to preserving morale, trust, and operational effectiveness. Senior defence officials further underscored that the values of loyalty, honour, and accountability remain non-negotiable, especially as the Armed Forces continue to play a central role in safeguarding Nigeria’s national security.
