“Her conduct was prejudicial to good order and military discipline,” Gen Clement Nwachukwu told the BBC. “The trainers’ task was to train the youth corps members and not to indulge in amorous relationships with any of them.”

Indulging in romance while in uniform isn’t something that the Nigerian Army condones, so the offending woman, identified as Sofiyat Akinlabi, was reportedly placed under arrest, an action that sparked angry reactions from human rights groups and activists. Many described the decision as “misogynistic”, claiming that men can engage in similar behavior without suffering any consequences.

The arrested soldier has received a lot of support online, both from the general public and from a number of celebrities, but it remains to be seen if the Army decides to give in to requests for her release. Thousands of Nigerians signed an online petition for Akinlabi’s release, but she remains behind bars after a week of detention.

The petition urges Chief of Army Staff, Farouk Yahaya, “to use your good offices to order the release of Private Sofiyat Akinlabie from further custody. Furthermore, her decision to marry the male youth corps member should be respected as both of them are entitled to freedom of association guaranteed by Section 40 of the Constitution.”