Abuja, Nigeria — A serving officer of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Government, alleging prolonged and unlawful detention without trial since September 2025.
In an application brought before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, the officer is seeking his immediate release and ₦500 million (about $300,000) in damages for what he describes as a violation of his fundamental rights.
The suit, filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, names the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence as respondents.
Through his legal team led by senior advocate Olalekan Ojo, Ma’aji argues that his continued detention for more than six months without formal charges breaches constitutional guarantees of personal liberty and human dignity.
Arrest and Allegations
According to court filings, the officer was arrested around September 30, 2025, alongside others over allegations of involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Despite claims that investigations have been concluded, Ma’aji maintains that he has neither been formally charged nor brought before a competent court.
He further alleges that he has been held at a military facility in Abuja without access to his family, legal representatives, or adequate medical care—conditions his legal team says amount to incommunicado detention.
Legal Challenge
The application cites violations of Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the rights to dignity and personal liberty, as well as provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Among the reliefs sought, the applicant is asking the court to declare his detention unconstitutional and order his immediate release.
In the alternative, he is requesting a court directive compelling the authorities to arraign him within seven days.
An affidavit filed by a litigation officer in his counsel’s chambers asserts that the continued detention, despite the absence of formal charges, undermines both constitutional safeguards and due process.
Awaiting Court Action
As of the time of filing, no hearing date has been scheduled.
The case is likely to test the balance between national security concerns and constitutional protections in Nigeria, particularly in cases involving military personnel accused of serious offenses.
