The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Faruk Yahaya has ordered the immediate release of a female soldier, Private Hannah Sofiyat who was detained a few days ago for accepting a marriage proposal from a Youth Corper.
The proposal took place on the 14th of December at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Kwara State.
Sofiya was taken into custody after she publicly accepted the marriage proposal of a youth corper simply identified as Akinlabi.
Two petitions on Change.org platform calling for her release had attracted over 10,000 signatures.
Funmi Falana, wife of Nigeria’s human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) had also petitioned the army for interfering in what she considers a private and natural occurence.
Funmi Falana currently serves as the National Director of Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA), a non-governmental organization that defends the right of women and children.
The family of the corper had also appealed to the military authorities to pardon Akinlabi, saying the duo met three years ago in Abeokuta where they started their love life.
In what appeared as a Christmas gift to the family and many Nigerians, the COAS ordered the release of the romantic soldier on Saturday, Christmas day.
There has been great excitement among the friends of the would-be couple as well as the Nigerian public.
Taking to social media, many excited users hailed the COAS and declared that wedding plans should commence forthwith.
A Facebook user, Aliyat Aliyat enthused, “Romantic soldier, let’s start the wedding plans.”
“Now, we can begin the wedding plans,” Itoro Orok backed Aliyat.
Another user, Onomo Oghenekevwe said, “Good news at last! I want (to) buy asoebi and eat rice.
The Army must sponsor the wedding.”
“I will provide men in suit,” wrote Obinna Okoro.
“Christmas gift to her family!” Oyedele Adediji stated.
Read also:
NYSC States Position on Love Affair Between a Youth Corper and a Female Soldier (video)