Army Denies Alleged Torture, Maltreatment Of Detainees

The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of torture, maltreatment, brutalisation and dehumanising treatment of detainees at its detention facility.

The Service issued the rebuttal while responding to a petition by Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, which alleged acts of torture, brutalisation, dehumanising treatment, and reprisal attacks against detainees at 8 Division Provost Group Detention Facility in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, leading to the unfortunate demise of Lance Corporal Bala Hudu.

A statement by the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 8 Division Army / Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt-Col Osoba Olaniyi, said such claims of ongoing torture, intimidation and reprisal against detainees are categorically false and a gross misrepresentation of Nigerian Army detention facilities.

“Our detention facilities adhere to international standards ensuring the dignity and welfare of detainees,” he said.

He stated that while we acknowledge the petitioner’s civic interest, the Army finds it necessary to correct misinformation and reaffirm its commitment to discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

He explained that in April 2023, the late Lance Corporal Bala Hudu killed a commercial motorcycle operator in Katsina State, leading to a military police investigation and subsequent Court Martial proceedings.

He said during the proceedings, it was discovered that the late Soldier had underlying health conditions, including hyperopia, allergic conjunctivitis and high blood pressure, for which he was constantly receiving medical care at the 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

He further stated that, due to the late Soldier’s health status, he was granted unrestricted access to the late Soldier’s family and legal counsel.

“Additionally, he was under continuous medical supervision with a nursing assistant assigned to him at the 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital. However, on 15 April 2026, Lance Corporal Hudu was admitted to the Accident & Emergency (A&E) unit with complaints of headache, body weakness, and rapid breathing. Accordingly, he was diagnosed with severe right lobar pneumonia and malaria, which was treated with nursing support.

“Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated on 17 April 2026, leading to his untimely death, likely due to complications from his underlying ailments. Following his death, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division immediately convened an independent Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the circumstances. This process is ongoing, transparent and thorough, in line with military protocols.”

He emphasised that the administration of military justice and provost operations strictly follows the Armed Forces Act and Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999), which guarantees human dignity.

“It is expedient to state that detainees receive routine medical evaluations and care, with their physical and psychological well-being taken as a priority,” he added.

He reiterated that the GOC 8 Division maintains a zero-tolerance stance against extra-judicial actions, torture, or degrading treatment, adding that any personnel found violating this policy face severe disciplinary measures.

“The Division operates with transparency and welcomes statutory oversight in this regard. We invite Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo and all interested parties to testify before the ongoing BOI from 29 April to 10 May 2026. We remain open to collaboration with independent bodies to ensure justice and accountability.”