The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed a suit filed by retired Major General Danjuma Hamisu Ali-Keffi challenging his compulsory retirement from the Nigerian Army and alleging violations of his fundamental human rights.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, the court held that the action was statute-barred, having been instituted outside the period prescribed by law.

Ali-Keffi had approached the court seeking redress over his retirement from the Nigerian Army, arguing that the decision was unlawful and infringed on his fundamental rights. He also sought various reliefs against the military authorities in relation to the circumstances surrounding his exit from service.

However, the court ruled that it lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter because the suit was filed after the expiration of the constitutional time limit allowed for such claims.

The court noted that actions relating to alleged violations of fundamental rights must be commenced within the period stipulated by law, adding that failure to do so renders the case incompetent and liable to dismissal.

Consequently, the suit was dismissed, bringing an end to the legal challenge instituted by the retired senior military officer against the Nigerian Army over his compulsory retirement.

The ruling underscores the importance of complying with statutory timelines in seeking judicial remedies, as courts are generally barred from entertaining matters commenced outside the legally prescribed period. (Guardian)

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