Nigerian Army Ignores Court Order, Holds 15 Cattle Traders in Abuja for Months as Officers Mishandle 341 Cows and Seize N88 Million from Victims
According to reports by Fusion Chronicles Nigeria, 12 of the traders were arrested at a military checkpoint on May 17, 2024, while traveling to purchase cattle in communities in Borno State. Their lawyer, Barrister Abdulwahab Aliyu, stated that their only “offense” was carrying a large amount of cash during the day on a federal highway between Buratai and Mirngha in Borno’s Biu Local Government Area.
“These 12 individuals, traveling in two vehicles, were stopped at a Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) checkpoint. They were searched, and no incriminating items were found, except for the cash sum of N88,737,200,” the lawyer explained.
The lawyer further disclosed that after holding the detainees for 13 days, the Army indicated plans to release them, apologizing for the delay. However, when asked to return the seized cash and cattle, the Army officials hesitated, citing the need for “clarification” from the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps. An insider revealed that the money may have been tampered with and that the delay was an attempt to account for the missing funds.
Frustrated by the delays, the legal team initiated contempt proceedings against the Army, particularly targeting the theater commander, for ignoring the court’s directive. They also petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene.
Moreover, there are reports that out of the 341 cattle seized during the arrest, only 200 are accounted for, raising suspicions about their handling.
The detained traders are now appealing to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and President Bola Tinubu to investigate the incident. Their lawyer lamented that several petitions sent to military authorities have been ignored.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Major General Nwachukwu, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls or text messages as of the time of reporting.
