Alleged Coup Plot: Detained Army Colonel Sues FG, Seeks N500m Compensation

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 demanding his immediate release and N500 million in damages for alleged violations of his fundamental rights.

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

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

According to court filings, Ma’aji was arrested around September 30, 2025, alongside others over allegations of plotting to overthrow the government. However, he claims he has remained in custody at a military facility in Abuja without access to his family, lawyers or proper medical care.

He further accused the authorities of failing to arraign him within a reasonable time, as required by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Among his requests, the colonel is asking the court to declare his detention unlawful and order his immediate release. Alternatively, he urged the court to compel the government to formally charge him within seven days.

Ma’aji is also seeking N500 million in compensation for the alleged unlawful detention.

An affidavit supporting the suit stated that he has been held incommunicado since his arrest, despite claims that investigations into the matter have been concluded.

As of now, the court has not fixed a date for the hearing of the case.