In a dramatic plea to redress a seven-year-old injustice, 38 Nigerian Army officers who were compulsorily retired in 2016 have written to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, demanding their reinstatement and the payment of outstanding entitlements.
The officers, represented by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), have urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure compliance with court rulings that declared their dismissal unlawful.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that on 9 June 2016, the officers, including Colonel Danladi Hassan, were retired without being charged or found guilty of any offence under military laws.
PLATFORM TIMES further reports that Colonel Hassan, a distinguished officer commissioned in 1994, had led several successful operations against Boko Haram insurgents and participated in international missions, including ECOMOG operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
It was gathered that the officers learned of their forced retirements through the media, with allegations of professional corruption leveled against them by then-Minister of Defense and the Chief of Army Staff.
However, no formal accusations or trials were ever conducted.
Seven of the officers sought redress at the National Industrial Court, which ruled in their favor between 2019 and 2021.
The court declared their retirement illegal and ordered their reinstatement with full payment of salaries and allowances.
Despite the court orders and the expiration of the window to appeal the rulings, the Nigerian Army has refused to comply, citing reasons such as “broken service” and concerns about loyalty.
Falana’s law firm highlighted inconsistencies in the Army’s stance, pointing out that another officer, Major-General Ahmadu Mohammed, was reinstated under similar circumstances in 2016.
Two of the affected officers, Chidi Ukoha and Osita Nwankwo, petitioned the National Assembly, which conducted independent investigations and recommended their reinstatement.
However, these resolutions were also disregarded by the military authorities.
The officers’ legal representatives have appealed to President Tinubu, urging him to enforce the court rulings and National Assembly recommendations.
The demands include the reinstatement of all affected officers to their rightful ranks, restoration of seniority, and payment of salaries and emoluments dating back to June 2016.
“This matter is not just about justice for these officers but also about the rule of law,” the letter to the AGF stated.
“We believe the president’s intervention is crucial to restoring the integrity of our judicial and legislative systems.”
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