A Nigerian mother has demanded the immediate release of her son from military custody, accusing authorities of violating constitutional and international human rights protections by detaining him for over three weeks without formal charges. Rabiu Abdullahi, suspected of involvement in entrance exam irregularities at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, has been held by the institution’s military police since July 3, according to a legal petition seen by Media Talk Africa.
Maimunatu Muhammad, Abdullahi’s mother, filed the appeal through lawyers Abubakar Sani and Mahe Sani, who argue the prolonged detention violates Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. Legal documents highlight Section 35(1), which requires individuals arrested to be charged within 24 to 48 hours. The petition, dated July 21, notes that Abdullahi has been denied access to legal counsel and alleges that the NDA lacks jurisdiction to detain civilians except in narrowly defined circumstances, such as wartime or offenses on military premises.
Citing a 2010 Court of Appeal ruling (Ola v. Nigerian Army), the lawyers emphasized that military authorities are constitutionally barred from holding civilians. “Even if an exceptional arrest were justified, extending custody beyond 48 hours without trial remains unlawful,” the filing states. It further references the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria has ratified, to underscore claims of rights violations.
The legal team issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Abdullahi’s unconditional release or formal charges, threatening litigation to secure his freedom and seek damages for “illegal incarceration.” The NDA has not publicly addressed the allegations. Spokesperson Mohammed Maidawa ended a call with reporters upon hearing inquiries about the case and did not respond to follow-up messages.
The case raises broader questions about military overreach in civilian matters, particularly amid periodic crackdowns on academic fraud in Nigeria. Entrance exams for institutions like the NDA, a prestigious military training academy, attract intense competition, with allegations of cheating occasionally prompting swift detentions. However, legal experts stress that prolonged military custody without judicial oversight risks normalizing rights violations.
Local human rights advocates have monitored similar cases, noting a pattern of security forces disregarding due process. “The constitution is clear: civilians fall under civilian courts,” said Abuja-based lawyer Grace Okoye, who is unconnected to the case. “Extended military detention erodes public trust and the rule of law.”
As of publication, Abdullahi’s whereabouts and legal status remain unclear, with his family awaiting action from the NDA or intervention by Nigeria’s judicial system.
