My Rights Were Violated” — Retired Major Files Lawsuit Against Nigerian Army

A retired Nigerian Army officer, Major Toye Akinlade, has filed a lawsuit against the Nigerian Army and two senior officers at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, over alleged unlawful redeployment, abuse of office, and coercion to continue service despite his formal resignation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The case, filed under NICN/ABJ/379/2025, seeks a declaration that Akinlade’s resignation became effective upon submission and that any subsequent military actions against him were unconstitutional and illegal.

The respondents are the Nigerian Army, Colonel Samson O. Okebukola, and Colonel D.O. Ehicheoya. According to court documents, Akinlade submitted his resignation letter on November 11, 2025, to the Chief of Army Staff and other relevant authorities. Despite this, he was allegedly redeployed and subjected to disciplinary measures without due process.

He is also challenging the legality of a query issued on December 12, 2025, and a subsequent letter of displeasure that imposed sanctions including reprimand and admonishment. The suit notes that these actions were taken “without a Board of Inquiry or Investigation establishing evidence of indictment against the Applicant.”

In an affidavit supporting the case, Akinlade stated, “The Applicant, being dissatisfied with the excesses and abuse of official power of the 2nd Respondent without being checked by appropriate superior authority, submitted his letter of resignation.” He further claimed that after questioning the disciplinary actions, he was redeployed from Jos to Zaria in violation of Army protocols.

Akinlade also alleged that the Army denied him leave to attend to a medical emergency after collapsing on duty. Medical tests reportedly showed his diastolic blood pressure had dropped to 60, and he claimed the refusal of leave amounted to a tortious violation of his rights.

The retired officer is seeking multiple reliefs, including:

• A declaration that his resignation took effect upon receipt.

• An order directing the Army to process his pension and entitlements.

• Permission to retrieve personal belongings from his last official residence.

• ₦50 million in damages for unlawful restriction, trauma, and rights violations.

• ₦1 million to cover the cost of filing the suit.

In his submission, Akinlade emphasized that military service is voluntary, “not a form of modern-day slavery,” and cited Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, which states that a resignation “shall take effect when the writing signifying the resignation is received by the authority to whom it is addressed.” He asked the court to rule that the respondents cannot compel him to perform military duties or subject him to disciplinary actions post-resignation.

The National Industrial Court has not yet scheduled a hearing date for the case.