Alleged Coup Plot: Detained Colonel Sues FG, Seeks N500m Damages

A Nigerian Army officer, Colonel Mohammed Alhassan Ma’aji, has taken the Federal Government to the Federal High Court in Abuja over what he describes as his prolonged and unlawful detention since September 2025.

In a suit filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, Ma’aji is asking the court to order his immediate release and award him N500 million in damages for the alleged violation of his fundamental rights.

The case, filed against the Attorney General of the Federation, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, challenges the legality of his continued detention without trial.

Through his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), the colonel argued that being held for over six months without being charged in court violates his constitutional rights to personal liberty and human dignity.

Court documents show that Ma’aji was arrested around September 30, 2025, along with others over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government. Since then, he claims he has been detained in a military facility in Abuja without access to his family, legal counsel, or proper medical care.

He further alleged that authorities have failed to bring him before a court within a reasonable time, contrary to Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and provisions of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Among his requests, Ma’aji is asking the court to declare his detention unconstitutional and order his immediate release. Alternatively, he wants the court to compel the authorities to arraign him before a competent court within seven days.

He is also seeking N500 million in compensation for the alleged unlawful detention.

An affidavit filed by a litigation officer in his lawyer’s chambers stated that Ma’aji has been held incommunicado since his arrest, with no formal charges filed against him despite claims that investigations have been concluded.

As of now, no date has been set for the hearing of the case.