Retired Major Sues Nigerian Army Over Alleged Forced Service And Rights Violations.

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 in Abuja, alleging unlawful redeployment, abuse of office, and coercion to continue military service despite his formal resignation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

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

The former officer is challenging the legality of a query dated December 12, 2025, and a subsequent letter of displeasure, which included sanctions such as reprimand and admonishment. The suit asserts that these actions were taken without a Board of Inquiry or proper investigation to establish evidence of wrongdoing.

In an affidavit supporting his case, Akinlade stated that he resigned after becoming dissatisfied with what he described as excessive abuse of authority by the 2nd respondent. He further alleged that, after raising concerns, he was redeployed from Jos to Zaria in violation of military protocols. Akinlade also claims the Army denied him leave to attend to a medical emergency after collapsing while on duty, citing dangerously low diastolic blood pressure readings, which he said amounted to a violation of his rights.

The lawsuit seeks several declaratory and consequential orders, including recognition that his resignation became effective upon submission, processing of his pension and entitlements, permission to retrieve personal property from his last official posting, and damages of ₦50 million for unlawful restriction, trauma, and rights violations, in addition to ₦1 million for court costs.

In his submission, Akinlade emphasized that military service is voluntary 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 urged the court to rule that the respondents are barred from compelling him to perform military duties or subjecting him to disciplinary action after his resignation.

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