…..Demands N300m Compensation, Public Apology, Disciplinary Action Against Officers
An Abuja-based lawyer, Jacob Solomon Agada, has petitioned the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, over the alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and brutal assault of his client’s workers by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force in a disputed property matter currently before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In the petition dated July 25, 2025, Agada alleged that a team of Air Force personnel, led by Flight Lieutenant Hussein Habib Denja, Provost of the NAF Camp, Mogadishu Barracks, Asokoro, invaded his client’s property—Stats Global Homes Ltd—located at Plots 1317 and 1328, Extension III B Layout, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council. The property is the subject of a civil suit (FCTHC/CV/3844/2024) pending before Justice Othman Musa of High Court No. 7 in Maitama.
The lawyer claimed that the Air Force operatives, purportedly acting on the prompting of Alhaji Manir Lawal, the 1st defendant in the case—abducted three unarmed workers and detained them at the Mogadishu Barracks without court orders.
Despite efforts to secure their release, the operatives allegedly returned with more troops and arrested two more staff members, Omeje Usman Eneojo and one Sunday, after physically assaulting them. The two are reportedly receiving treatment for severe injuries at the Kubwa General Hospital.
Agada accused the Air Force officers of gross abuse of office, contempt of court, and an attempt to use military force to influence a matter under judicial consideration. He submitted photographic evidence and medical reports to support claims of the unlawful operation.
He demanded a full-scale investigation into the incident, disciplinary action against the involved officers, a public apology from the Nigerian Air Force, and N300 million in compensation for the victims’ physical and psychological trauma.
The petition warned that if the Air Force fails to act within seven days, legal action will be instituted and complaints filed with the National Human Rights Commission and the Attorney General of the Federation.
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Efforts to reach the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, for comments proved abortive as calls and messages to her phone went unanswered.
Justice Othman Musa is expected to continue hearing the civil matter, which predates the alleged military intervention. The Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, had assigned the case to Justice Musa prior to the disputed military involvement.
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