The Headquarters 8 Division of the Nigerian Army has rejected allegations of torture and inhumane treatment at its Provost Group Detention Facility in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The response follows an online petition by human rights lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo, who accused military authorities of brutalising detainees, leading to the death of a soldier, Lance Corporal Bala Hudu.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Olaniyi Osoba, said the Army remains committed to professionalism and respect for human rights.
According to Osoba, the late Lance Corporal Hudu had been standing trial after allegedly killing a commercial motorcycle operator in Katsina State in April 2023.
The Army maintained that medical records showed Hudu had pre-existing health conditions, including high blood pressure and eye-related issues, and had been receiving treatment at the division’s medical facility. He was also reportedly granted unrestricted access to family members and legal counsel due to his condition.
Osoba explained that the soldier was admitted to the Accident and Emergency unit on April 15, 2026, after complaining of headache, weakness, and breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and malaria, and his condition worsened before his death on April 17.
The Army stated that the death was likely due to complications arising from his underlying health conditions.
To address the controversy, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division has ordered a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. The Army said the process would be transparent and thorough, in line with military procedures.
The statement also firmly denied claims of torture, intimidation, or reprisals against detainees at the facility, insisting that its detention centres comply with international standards and uphold the dignity of detainees.
Citing provisions of the Armed Forces Act and Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the Army emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for torture and degrading treatment, warning that any personnel found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action.
As part of the investigation, Omirhobo and other interested parties have been invited to appear before the Board of Inquiry, scheduled to sit between April 29 and May 10, 2026.
The case has renewed scrutiny over detention practices within Nigeria’s security institutions, particularly in conflict-affected regions where military operations—such as Operation FANSAN YAMMA—are ongoing.
The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine the exact cause of Hudu’s death and address the conflicting claims between the military and human rights advocates.
