A fresh legal storm is brewing in Nigeria’s security space as a serving Army officer, Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, drags the Federal Government to court over what he calls months of detention without trial.
In a suit filed before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, the embattled colonel is demanding his immediate release and ₦500 million in damages, citing alleged violations of his fundamental rights.
Through his legal team led by Senior Advocate Olalekan Ojo, Ma’aji argued that his continued incarceration since September 30, 2025—over an alleged coup conspiracy—breaches constitutional guarantees of personal liberty and human dignity.
The officer is suing key authorities including the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, accusing them of detaining him for over six months without formal charges or trial.
Court filings reveal that Ma’aji claims he has been held incommunicado at a military facility in Abuja, allegedly denied access to his family, lawyers, and adequate medical care. He insists the authorities have failed to arraign him within the timeframe required by law.
The affidavit supporting the suit further alleges that despite claims investigations have been concluded, no court martial has been constituted—reportedly awaiting approval from Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In his prayers before the court, the colonel is asking for a declaration that his detention is unconstitutional, an order for his immediate release, or alternatively, a directive compelling authorities to arraign him within seven days.
He maintains that granting his freedom would not obstruct any future prosecution but would instead reinforce the rule of law and safeguard constitutional rights against arbitrary detention.
As of press time, no hearing date has been fixed—setting the stage for what could become a landmark legal showdown over national security, due process, and human rights in Nigeria.
Source:@Abati1990
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