Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, a serving officer of the Nigerian Army, has initiated legal action against the Federal Government at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The officer is challenging his continued incarceration, which he characterizes as a prolonged and illegal detention that has lasted since September 2025.
Through an originating motion filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, Ma’aji is demanding his immediate release and seeking ₦500 million in damages.
The suit names the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence as respondents.
His legal team, led by Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argues that holding the Colonel for over six months without a formal charge constitutes a gross violation of his constitutional rights to personal liberty and human dignity.
Court documents reveal that Colonel Ma’aji was taken into custody around September 30, 2025.
He was reportedly arrested alongside several others on allegations of conspiring to overthrow the government.
Since then, the applicant claims he has been held at a military facility in Abuja, completely cut off from his family, lawyers, and necessary medical attention.
The officer contends that the government’s failure to bring him before a competent court within a reasonable timeframe violates Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The Colonel is asking the court for the following:
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A declaration that his ongoing detention is unconstitutional.
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An order for his immediate and unconditional release.
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In the alternative: An order compelling the respondents to arraign him in court within seven days.
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₦500 million as financial compensation for the months spent in unlawful custody.
An affidavit filed by a litigation officer in his counsel’s chambers stated:“The applicant has been held incommunicado since his arrest, with no formal charges brought against him despite claims that investigations have been concluded.”
A specific date for the hearing of the suit is yet to be scheduled by the court.
