Army Denies Torture Allegations at Sokoto Detention Facility
The Headquarters of 8 Division, Nigerian Army, has denied allegations of torture and inhumane treatment at its Provost Group Detention Facility located inside Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto.
The Army described the accusations as false and misleading, insisting that detainees in its custody are treated in line with established standards and with full respect for human rights.
The allegations were raised in an online petition by human rights lawyer, Malcolm Omirhobo, who claimed that some detainees were being brutalised and that a soldier, Lance Corporal Bala Hudu, died as a result of abuse while in detention.
Responding to the petition, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, said the Army remained committed to professionalism, discipline and lawful conduct.
According to him, the late Lance Corporal Hudu was already standing trial over the alleged killing of a commercial motorcycle rider in Katsina State in April 2023.
He explained that medical records available to the Army showed that the deceased soldier had pre-existing health challenges, including hypertension and eye-related problems, and had been receiving treatment from the 8 Division Medical Services.
The Army further stated that due to his medical condition, Hudu was granted unrestricted access to his family members and legal representatives while under custody.
Osoba said the soldier was taken to the Accident and Emergency Unit on April 15, 2026, after complaining of headache, weakness and breathing difficulties. He was reportedly diagnosed with severe pneumonia and malaria.
He added that the soldier’s health later worsened and he died on April 17, 2026, likely from complications linked to his previous ailments.
Following the incident, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division has ordered a Board of Inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
The Army said the investigation would be transparent and thorough, in line with military procedures.
It also dismissed claims of intimidation, torture and reprisals against detainees, maintaining that its detention facility complies with both the Armed Forces Act and Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of every citizen.
The Army invited Omirhobo and other interested individuals to appear before the Board of Inquiry, which is scheduled to sit from April 29 to May 10, 2026.
The case has generated public attention and renewed concerns over detention conditions and human rights compliance within security institutions, especially in areas facing serious security threats.
The 8 Division, based in Sokoto, supervises military operations in parts of the North-West under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, aimed at tackling banditry and related crimes.
The outcome of the inquiry is expected to determine the true circumstances surrounding the death of Lance Corporal Hudu and address the conflicting claims.
