The Headquarters 8 Division of the Nigerian Army has rejected allegations of torture and inhumane treatment at its Provost Group Detention Facility in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, insisting that its operations comply with established human rights standards.

The denial follows a petition circulated online by Lagos-based lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo, who accused military authorities of subjecting detainees to abuse and linked the alleged maltreatment to the death of Lance Corporal Bala Hudu.

Responding in a statement issued Tuesday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, described the allegations as misleading and unfounded.

“While we acknowledge the petitioner’s civic interest, it is necessary to correct misinformation and reaffirm our commitment to discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights,” Osoba said.

He explained that the deceased soldier had been standing trial over the alleged killing of a commercial motorcyclist in Katsina State in April 2023, following an investigation by military police and subsequent court martial proceedings.

According to the Army, medical findings during the trial revealed that Hudu had pre-existing health conditions, including hypertension and eye-related ailments, for which he had been receiving treatment.

“Given his health status, he was granted unrestricted access to his family and legal counsel and remained under continuous medical supervision,” Osoba stated.

The Army further disclosed that Hudu was admitted to the Accident and Emergency unit of the 8 Division Medical Services on April 15, 2026, after presenting symptoms such as headache, body weakness and difficulty breathing. He was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and malaria.

“His condition, however, deteriorated on 17 April 2026, leading to his unfortunate death, likely due to complications arising from his underlying ailments,” the statement said.

Osoba added that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division had immediately constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

“The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted transparently and thoroughly in line with military procedures,” he said.

Dismissing the broader allegations, the Army maintained that there was no evidence of torture or reprisals within the detention facility.

“The claims of ongoing torture, intimidation and reprisal are categorically false and a gross misrepresentation of the situation,” Osoba said.

“Our detention facilities adhere to international standards, ensuring the dignity and welfare of all detainees.”

He emphasised that military justice administration is guided by the Armed Forces Act and constitutional provisions safeguarding human dignity.

“The GOC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for extra-judicial actions, torture or degrading treatment. Any personnel found culpable will face severe sanctions,” he added.

The Army also called on Omirhobo and other interested parties to appear before the Board of Inquiry scheduled to hold from April 29 to May 10, 2026.

The petition by Omirhobo alleged systemic abuse at the Giginya Cantonment detention facility and called for an independent investigation into the death of Lance Corporal Hudu.

The development has sparked renewed scrutiny of detention conditions within military formations, particularly in Nigeria’s North-West, where troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA are engaged in counter-banditry operations.

Authorities say the outcome of the ongoing inquiry will provide clarity on the incident and address concerns raised by rights advocates. (TRIBUNE)