Abuja, November 23, 2024
The Nigerian Army has arrested and detained Shagari Usman Yusuf, Chairman of the Dei-Dei International Livestock Market in Abuja, after he publicly disclosed allegations of military misconduct on the popular human rights programme Brekete Family.
Speaking through his lawyer, Barr. Abdulwahab Aliyu, Yusuf’s representatives revealed that his arrest followed his efforts to highlight the alleged illegal detention of 15 cattle dealers and the confiscation of their property by the military.
“Alhaji Yusuf was arrested shortly after appearing on Brekete Family to call attention to the plight of 12 detained members of his association and three others,” Aliyu explained. “He also revealed that the military had seized N88 million in cash and 341 cows from his colleagues without justification.”
According to reports, the detained cattle dealers were apprehended on May 17, 2024, at a military checkpoint in Borno State while traveling with cash to purchase cattle.
Their lawyer claims their only “offense” was carrying large sums of money during daylight hours. “When Yusuf attempted to visit the detained men at the military facility in Maiduguri, he was denied access,” Aliyu added.
“Out of frustration, he took the matter to *Brekete Family*, prompting swift and retaliatory action by the Army.” Yusuf’s public disclosures reportedly led to his dramatic arrest at the Dei-Dei International Market just before the Eid al-Adha festival.
“Armed military personnel stormed the market, hooded him, and transported him to an underground cell in Abuja. He was later transferred to Maiduguri and held at the Giwa barracks,” said Aliyu. The Army, however, disputes claims of illegal detention.
Spokesperson Major General Nwachukwu Onyema stated: “The Nigerian Army is not holding the men illegally. We have filed an appeal against the High Court’s judgment in their favor, and the legal process is ongoing.” Yusuf’s arrest has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who accuse the military of suppressing dissent and defying court orders.
“This is an alarming disregard for the rule of law,” Aliyu said. “The High Court ruled in favor of the detainees, yet the Army continues to hold them unlawfully while confiscating their property.”
The case has raised questions about the treatment of civilians by the military and the Army’s accountability in matters of alleged misconduct. Rights groups and legal experts are calling for an independent investigation into the events.
As of now, Yusuf and the other detainees remain in custody, with no clear timeline for their release despite the court’s ruling.
