The family of Nansak Selbar, detained by the Nigerian Army, at the 3rd Armoured Maxwell Khobe Cantonment for more than two months without trial has sought for the immediate release of their son, alleging illegality of his arrest and continuous detention.
They further threatened court suits demanding enforcement of his fundamental human rights with N100m as damages.
The family in a letter to the General Officer Commanding the 3 div, dated 15/11/2024, signed by their lawyer, Nanlir Rindap Esq, said their son, a school teacher, was arrested on 7th November, 2024 by personnel of Operation Safe Haven, at GSS Nyak Shemdam LGA of Plateau state.
“The school authority briefed the family on how men of Operation Safe Heaven came during the school hours at Government Secondary School, Nyak, Shendam LGA, with the army vehicle, identified themselves and thereafter whisked away the suspect, and since then, the family has not seen him and he has been denied access to his lawyer,” the letter read in part.
The family added that their son was arrested on an alleged impersonation of one Major General Nansak Shagaya, but was later suspected of transferring ransom to kidnappers via his First Bank account.
They said despite experte order by a competent court of jurisdiction, the military continue to detain the school teacher.
“In line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigena, 1999 as amended and the law of the land, his detention and denying him access to his people/lawyer as a suspect is illegal and unlawful.
“We appeal to your good Office to kindly investigate this matter and right the wrong within seven days of the receipt of this letter or we will be left with no further option than to seek redress in the court for the enforcement of his fundamental rights through the instrumentalities of law,” the family warned.
But in its response via Lieutenant Colonel, UJ Atumeyi, the 3 Div of the Nigerian Army, said it was in receipt of the family’s letter, and that it was committed to promoting rules of law.
“…Nigerian Army ensures promotion of rule of law in its operations. The troops have acted in furtherance of the constitutional mandates of ensuring protection of lives and property, within the confines of the law.
“Additionally, the arrested person is undergoing investigation on allegation of committing offences inimical to national security with the backing of an order-by a competent court,” the army said.