••Opens Doors for Independent Probe into Soldier’s Death.
••Sets Record Straight on Sokoto Detention Facility
The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims of torture and cruel treatment at its detention centre in Sokoto. This follows the death of a soldier who was being held there. At the same time the army says it has launched a formal investigation into exactly what happened.
Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, acting deputy director of army public relations for the 8th Division, signed the statement. He described the accusations in an online petition filed by lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo as false and a gross misrepresentation. Omirhobo had accused officers of brutality, intimidation and reprisals against people held at the 8 Division Provost Group Detention Facility inside Giginya Cantonment.
The army did confirm that Lance Corporal Bala Hudu is dead. His case is what triggered the outcry.
According to the statement, Hudu had been facing military trial since April 2023. He stood accused of killing a commercial motorcyclist in Katsina State. During those proceedings officers learned he suffered from underlying conditions: high blood pressure, hyperopia and allergic conjunctivitis. He was already receiving treatment for them.
The statement added that Hudu could see his family and lawyer without restrictions. Medical staff kept him under regular observation.
On 15 April 2026 he was taken to the Accident and Emergency unit at the 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital. He was suffering from headache, general weakness and fast breathing. Doctors diagnosed severe pneumonia and malaria. His condition worsened two days later and he died on 17 April. The army says the death was likely caused by complications from the illnesses he already had.
In response to public concern, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division has set up an independent Board of Inquiry. The process is under way, the army says, and it will be transparent and follow military rules. The petitioner and any other interested parties have been invited to give evidence before the panel between 29 April and 10 May 2026.
