Nigerian Army arrests two soldiers over unauthorized deployment at celebrity wedding

The Nigerian Army has apprehended two soldiers suspected of unauthorized deployment during the wedding ceremony of social media personalities Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, and TikTok star Jarvis in Lekki, Lagos. The arrests followed intelligence reports indicating the soldiers' involvement in providing security at the high-profile event over the weekend.

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Following credible intelligence on the involvement of Nigerian Army personnel in illegal deployment during the popular social influencer’s wedding in Lekki, Lagos, the personnel were arrested.

The soldiers, identified as Private Onasanya Ifeoluwa and Private Ukpai Onyinyechi, are attached to the 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital in Lagos. Preliminary investigations are underway to ascertain the full extent of their participation and to identify any other military personnel connected to the incident. A military source confirmed the arrests were made based on credible intelligence regarding illegal deployment at the wedding.

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Preliminary investigation is ongoing to establish the extent of their involvement and identify other personnel connected with the incident. Further details will be forwarded as the investigation unfolds.

Circulating videos from the wedding showed uniformed military personnel offering security and crowd control for some guests, sparking public concern and inquiries into the appropriateness of military presence at private functions. The Nigerian Army has a standing policy against personnel undertaking unauthorized private security duties without official approval. The ongoing investigation aims to determine if military regulations were breached and to decide on disciplinary actions for any found culpable.

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The Nigerian Army has consistently maintained that serving personnel are not permitted to undertake unauthorised private security duties or participate in deployments outside official assignments without approval.