Army Officer Sues FG Over Prolonged Detention, Demands ₦500m Damages
Army Officer Sues FG Over Prolonged Detention, Demands ₦500m Damages A serving Nigerian Army officer has dragged the Federal Government before a court over his continued detention since September 2025, seeking immediate release and ₦500 million in damages for alleged violation of his fundamental human rights.
The officer, identified as Colonel Mohammed (name partly withheld in some reports), is among military personnel arrested following an alleged coup plot uncovered by security authorities last year According to court filings, the officer claimed he had been held in custody for several months without formal charges, trial, or lawful justification. His legal team argued that the prolonged detention contravenes constitutional provisions guaranteeing personal liberty, fair hearing, and due process under Nigerian law.
The suit reportedly names the Federal Government and relevant military authorities as respondents
In the originating motion, the detained colonel is asking the court to
- Declare his continued detention unlawful and unconstitutional
- Order his immediate release from custody
- Award ₦500 million as compensation for alleged rights violations and psychological hardship suffered during incarceration.
His lawyers contend that despite the seriousness of the allegations, the authorities failed to arraign him before a competent court within the period allowed by law. The officer was detained following investigations into an alleged plot against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which reportedly led to the arrest of several military officers in late 2025. Security agencies had launched a crackdown after intelligence reports suggested plans by some officers to destabilise the government, though details of the investigation have remained largely confidential. Legal analysts say the case raises broader concerns about military detentions and the balance between national security operations and respect for civil liberties. Rights advocates argue that suspects in security-related cases must still be charged promptly and allowed access to courts As of the time of filing this report, federal authorities and military officials had not issued an official response to the lawsuit. The court is expected to fix a hearing date where arguments from both parties will be considered. Observers note that the outcome of the case could set an important precedent regarding the treatment of military personnel accused of security offences and the limits of executive detention powers in Nigeria.
