According to the family of a youth corper simply named as Remi, who proposed to a female soldier, Private Sofiyat Akinlabi, at the National Youth Service Corps Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Kwara State, the two began their acquaintance three years ago in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Remi and Akinlabi's friendship began in Abeokuta almost three years ago, before the latter joined the military, according to a family member.
On December 14, 2021, the Nigerian Army detained Akinlabi after viral video footage showed her accepting Remi's marriage proposal at a camp in Yikpata, Kwara State.
The lovebirds had shared a hug and kiss at the Mammy market, much to the joy of the other corpers.
"The female soldier in question breached the following norms of the NA: fraternisation while on official duties at the NYSC camp," said Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations.
That is, having an extramarital affair with a trainee. Before a person can marry, he or she must have served for three years," read (here).
Well, The corps member's close family member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the nature of the case, claimed on Saturday that they had lost contact but were surprisingly reunited by fate at the NYSC camp late November.
"They knew each other before they came to camp," he explained. They met in Abeokuta nearly three years ago before she enlisted in the army, but they lost touch after that.
"It seemed like a reunion when we met at NYSC camp. They'd been friends for a long time, and Remi thought it would be a good idea to propose to her while they were together again.
"He had to approach her as a man and not be concerned about her new soldier position because she would eventually marry. He summoned the nerve to propose to her with a ring, which she graciously accepted.
"She was completely taken aback by the entire situation. "It happened on December 14, 2021, following the passing out procession. She was alone at the Mammy Market, pressing her phone, and she had no idea something like this would happen.
"She was overjoyed and perplexed at the same time when he approached her. She is a lady, and her emotions triggered her responses.
"Women, like men, are emotional beings regardless of who they are. Remi didn't have his phone on him and didn't film the event. He didn't share anything on social media, and she didn't share it either. The posting on social media was done by fellow corpers in the area."
When asked why Remi liked Akinlabi, a soldier, he said
"Can’t explain his love for her because they so connected emotionally when they met again and he believes it is true love."
"Remi had been very devastated since the arrest of his lover, begged the military to release Akinlabi.
"We appeal to the Nigerian Army to tamper justice with mercy and release her. She is a woman and she has emotions.
"We don’t want her to be dismissed; we want her to continue her job in the military," the source said.
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