(SINL NIGERIA) The Headquarters, 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, has dismissed allegations of torture, brutalisation, and inhumane treatment of detainees at its Provost Group Detention Facility in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The reaction follows an online petition by Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, which accused the military of rights abuses and linked them to the death of Lance Corporal Bala Hudu.
In a statement issued on April 28, 2026, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 8 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the Army remains committed to discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights, while clarifying the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s death.
According to the statement, Lance Corporal Hudu had been undergoing military police investigation and court martial proceedings since April 2023 over the killing of a commercial motorcycle operator in Katsina State.
The Army disclosed that during the trial, it was established that the late soldier had pre-existing medical conditions, including hyperopia, allergic conjunctivitis, and hypertension, for which he was receiving treatment at the 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital.
“Due to his health condition, he was granted unrestricted access to his family and legal counsel, and was placed under continuous medical supervision, including the assignment of a nursing assistant,” the statement said.
The Army further explained that on April 15, 2026, Hudu was admitted to the Accident and Emergency unit with symptoms including headache, body weakness, and rapid breathing.
He was subsequently diagnosed with severe right lobar pneumonia and malaria.
His condition reportedly worsened, leading to his death on April 17, 2026, which the Army said was likely due to complications arising from his underlying health issues.
In response to the incident, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division has constituted an independent Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
“The process is ongoing, transparent, and in line with military procedures,” the statement added.
The Army also rejected allegations of torture and intimidation within its detention facility, insisting that its operations comply with international standards and Nigerian laws, including provisions guaranteeing the dignity of detainees.
It added that detainees are provided with routine medical care, and that the Division maintains a zero-tolerance policy for torture, extra-judicial actions, or degrading treatment, with strict sanctions for any violations.
According to the statement, the Division has invited the petitioner and other interested parties to appear before the Board of Inquiry between April 29 and May 10, 2026, as part of efforts to ensure accountability.
The Army urged the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations and to have confidence in its investigative process and institutional integrity.
