Order probe
The Nigerian Army has said that a soldier detained at the 8 Division Provost Group Detention Facility in Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto, Lance Corporal Bala Hudu, died of complications arising from his health conditions, not torture.
The denial followed a petition by Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer and activist, alleging acts of torture, brutalisation, dehumanising treatment, and reprisal attacks against detainees at the Provost Group Detention Facility, leading to the death of Hudu.
Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division has convened an independent Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of the lance corporal, promising that the probe will be transparent and thorough, in line with military protocols.
The Division, therefore, invited the petitioner, Omirhobo, and all interested parties to testify before the BOI from April 29 to May 10, 2026, adding that it remains open to collaboration with independent bodies to ensure justice and accountability.
Explaining what led to the detention of the late soldier in a statement, the spokesman for the 8 Division, Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said that in April 2023, the late Hudu killed a commercial motorcycle operator in Katsina State, leading to a military police investigation and subsequent court martial proceedings.
Osoba said that 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.
“Due to the late soldier’s health status, he was granted unrestricted access to his family and legal counsel.
“Additionally, he was under continuous medical supervision, with a nursing assistant assigned to him at 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital. However, on April 15, 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 attended with nursing support.”
He stated that his condition deteriorated on April 17, 2026, leading to Hudu’s death, likely due to complications from his underlying ailments.
Osoba said the claims of torture, intimidation, and reprisal against detainees by the activist “are false and a gross misrepresentation” of the Division’s detention facility.
“Our detention facilities adhere to international standards, ensuring the dignity and welfare of detainees.
“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.
“Furthermore, the GOC 8 Division maintains a zero-tolerance stance against extra-judicial actions, torture, or degrading treatment. Any personnel found violating this policy faces severe disciplinary measures.
“The 8 Division Nigerian Army remains steadfast in upholding justice, human rights, and professionalism. We urge the public to disregard baseless allegations and trust in our ongoing investigations and institutional integrity.”
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