The Nigerian Army has arrested two serving soldiers for allegedly participating in an unauthorised deployment during the star-studded wedding of popular content creators Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, and Amadou Elizabeth Aminata, known as Jarvis, in Lagos.
The arrests followed the circulation of viral videos showing uniformed military personnel providing security and escorting guests at the celebrity wedding held in Lekki on Saturday, prompting widespread criticism and questions over the use of soldiers at a private social event.
Military sources said the two soldiers were taken into custody on Tuesday morning after intelligence linked them to the unauthorised assignment.
Those arrested were identified as 23NA/85/10007 Private Onasanya Ifeoluwa of the 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital (81DMSH) and 23NA/85/7885 Private Ukpai Onyinyechi, also attached to the 81DMSH in Obalende, Lagos.
A senior military source said investigations were already underway to determine the circumstances surrounding their deployment and whether other personnel were involved.
“Following credible intelligence on the involvement of Nigerian Army personnel in illegal deployment during a popular social influencer’s wedding known as Peller at Lekki, Lagos, the Group arrested 23NA/85/10007 PTE Onasanya Ifeoluwa of 81 Division Medical Services and Hospital (81DMSH) and 23NA/85/7885 PTE Ukpai Onyinyechi of 81DMSH at Obalende this morning,” the source said.
“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.”
The controversy erupted after several videos from the wedding surfaced online, showing men in military uniforms controlling access to parts of the venue and escorting high-profile guests.
One clip that attracted particular attention appeared to show a soldier acting as a bodyguard for TikTok personality Ivanna as she made her way through the crowd, fuelling public outrage on social media.
Although the Army is yet to issue an official statement on the arrests, the service has consistently maintained that its personnel are not permitted to undertake private security assignments or participate in deployments without proper authorisation.
Peller and Jarvis, two of Nigeria’s most prominent digital content creators, were married in a ceremony that attracted celebrities, influencers and entertainers from across the country.
The event had been one of the most anticipated celebrity weddings of the year after weeks of public build-up by the couple, whose relationship has attracted millions of followers on social media.
