A naval seaman is currently hospitalised after reportedly being subjected to severe flogging by a senior officer in Lagos. The incident has sparked outrage within military circles, with calls for a thorough investigation into the appropriateness of such disciplinary measures.
The victim, identified as Ordinary Seaman KA Uzorh, was allegedly flogged by Lieutenant Commander Ekah, the Regulating Officer (RO) of the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, for arriving late to a parade mustering. The incident, which took place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, involved 18 junior personnel who were reportedly subjected to similar treatment.
Sources revealed that Uzorh sustained significant injuries, leaving him physically and emotionally traumatised. A military source who shared a video of one of the battered personnel described the punishment as “outdated” and “excessive.”
“It’s shocking that such medieval measures are still employed in our Navy,” the source lamented. “Flogging as a disciplinary action not only undermines the dignity of the individuals involved but also risks long-term damage to morale and trust between leadership and subordinates.”
The source acknowledged the importance of punctuality in naval discipline but argued that corporal punishment is not the answer. “Late arrival, while unacceptable, does not justify such physical abuse. There are alternative methods like counselling, warnings, or extra duties, which are more aligned with modern military principles.”
Military insiders have raised concerns over whether mitigating circumstances surrounding the personnel’s lateness were considered before the punishment was administered.
“Discipline is crucial to the operational efficiency of the Navy,” another source explained, “but it must be applied with fairness and respect. The actions of Lt Cdr Ekah need to be reviewed thoroughly to ensure they align with naval regulations.”
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of excessive disciplinary measures within the armed forces, with critics calling for reforms to safeguard the dignity and welfare of personnel.
The physical injuries sustained by Uzorh are just the tip of the iceberg, according to sources close to the matter. “Such actions can demoralise not just the individuals directly affected but also their peers. This damages teamwork and erodes trust in the chain of command,” a military source said.
Reports indicate that Uzorh is not the only one struggling to recover. Several of the other 17 personnel allegedly flogged by Ekah are reportedly dealing with similar trauma, though specific details remain scarce.
Calls for justice have intensified as military personnel and observers urge the Nigerian Navy to investigate the matter comprehensively. “We strongly request that this incident be thoroughly investigated,” a source stated, “and measures put in place to ensure discipline is enforced in a way that respects the dignity of naval personnel.”
Efforts to reach Lt Cdr Ekah for his comments have so far proven unsuccessful, with his phone reportedly switched off.
The incident has also sparked conversations about the broader implications of outdated disciplinary practices in the Nigerian military. Experts in military ethics argue that such actions are not only detrimental to personnel morale but also tarnish the image of the armed forces.
“Military discipline should be about building character, not breaking spirits,” an observer noted. “We must move away from practices that belong in a bygone era and embrace methods that reflect the principles of professionalism and human rights.”
As pressure mounts for accountability, the Nigerian Navy is expected to respond to the allegations. Analysts believe this incident could serve as a turning point in addressing systemic issues within the armed forces.
