By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of torture and maltreatment of detainees at the 8 Division Provost Group Detention Facility in Sokoto, describing the claims as false and misleading, while confirming that an ongoing investigation is probing the circumstances surrounding the death of a detained soldier.
In an official signed statement, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 8 Division Army/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the Army’s attention was drawn to an online petition by Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, which alleged acts of torture, dehumanising treatment, and reprisal attacks against detainees at the Giginya Cantonment facility, leading to the death of Lance Corporal Bala Hudu.
Osoba stated that while the Army acknowledged the petitioner’s civic interest, it was necessary to correct what he described as misinformation and to reaffirm the military’s commitment to discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
Providing background to the case, he explained that the late Lance Corporal Hudu was involved in the killing of a commercial motorcycle operator in Katsina State in April 2023, an incident that led to a military police investigation and subsequent court martial proceedings. During the process, it was discovered that the soldier had underlying health conditions, including hyperopia, allergic conjunctivitis, and hypertension, for which he was receiving ongoing medical care at the 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
According to the statement, due to his health status, the late soldier was granted unrestricted access to his family and legal counsel, and remained under continuous medical supervision, including the assignment of a nursing assistant.
Osoba further disclosed that on April 15, 2026, Hudu was admitted to the Accident and Emergency unit of the military hospital with complaints of headache, body weakness, and rapid breathing. He was subsequently diagnosed with severe right lobar pneumonia and malaria and received medical attention with nursing support.
He said the soldier’s condition deteriorated on April 17, 2026, leading to his death, which was likely caused by complications arising from his pre-existing health conditions.
Following the incident, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division immediately constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. The Army described the process as ongoing, transparent, and in line with established military procedures.
The statement categorically denied allegations of torture, intimidation, or reprisal against detainees, insisting that detention facilities under the division operate in compliance with international standards that safeguard the dignity and welfare of detainees.
Osoba emphasised that military justice administration and provost operations are guided by the Armed Forces Act and Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of the human person. He added that detainees are provided with routine medical care, with priority given to both their physical and psychological well-being.
He also reiterated that the General Officer Commanding maintains a zero-tolerance policy against extrajudicial actions, torture, or degrading treatment, warning that any personnel found culpable would face strict disciplinary measures.
The Army further announced that it is open to public scrutiny and has invited the petitioner and other interested parties to appear before the Board of Inquiry scheduled to sit from April 29 to May 10, 2026.
Osoba assured that the 8 Division remains committed to upholding justice, human rights, and professionalism, urging the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations and to place confidence in the ongoing investigative process.
