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Ex-Army Officer Seeks Court Declaration on Alleged Forced Service
A former military officer, Akinlade, has asked the court to determine seven key issues, including a declaration that his resignation became effective on the date it was received by the relevant authorities.
In the suit, Akinlade is seeking a declaration that a query issued to him on December 12, 2025, on the directive of the third respondent, was unlawful, null and void, and of no legal effect, having been issued after his resignation.
He is also challenging a letter of displeasure served on him, which imposed sanctions of reprimand and admonishment without the constitution of a Board of Inquiry. According to the court documents, the disciplinary letter was issued “without a Board of Inquiry or Investigation establishing any evidence of indictment against the applicant.”
In an affidavit supporting the action, Akinlade stated that after he protested the disciplinary measures and sought redress, he was redeployed from Jos to Zaria, a move he said contravened established administrative procedures of the Nigerian Army.
He explained that his decision to resign was informed by what he described as the unchecked excesses and abuse of official power by the second respondent, prompting him to submit his letter of resignation.
Despite this, the former officer alleged that he was subsequently ordered to report to Basawa in Zaria and continued to be treated as a serving officer, an action he described as unlawful.
Akinlade further accused the Army authorities of denying him medical leave after he collapsed while on duty and was hospitalised. He claimed that medical tests revealed his diastolic blood pressure dropped to 60, adding that the refusal to grant him leave constituted a tortious act.
Among the reliefs sought, he is asking the court to declare that his resignation took effect upon receipt by the respondents and that he is deemed to have exited the service of the Nigerian Army from that date.
He is also seeking an order compelling the Army to process and pay his pension and other entitlements, having served for more than 10 years, and to allow him retrieve his personal belongings from his last official residence.
In addition, Akinlade is claiming N50 million in damages for alleged unlawful restriction, psychological trauma and violation of his fundamental rights, as well as N1 million as the cost of instituting the suit.
In his written address, he argued that resignation from military service is a constitutional right, emphasising that military service is voluntary and “not a form of modern-day slavery.” He relied on Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that a resignation takes effect once the written notice is received by the appropriate authority.
He urged the court to hold that upon receipt of his resignation letter, the respondents were estopped from compelling him to continue performing military duties or subjecting him to any disciplinary processes.
The National Industrial Court has yet to fix a date for the hearing of the matter.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a new round of appointments and promotions with immediate effect, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and enhance institutional performance in the state.
The development was announced in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
According to the statement, Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle has been appointed as the Acting Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board. Matawalle, a retired permanent secretary, previously served in a similar role and also held office as the board’s executive secretary. He was described as a seasoned administrator who rose through the civil service ranks from Assistant Secretary to Permanent Secretary before retiring in 2014, after eight years in the position. The statement noted his strong track record in the effective management of Hajj operations.
Governor Yusuf also approved the promotion of Yusuf Mukhtar to the rank of Permanent Secretary.
In another appointment, Barrister Rahama Malam Alhaji was named Provost of the Kano State Anti-Corruption Institute. She was praised as an accomplished legal practitioner with over seven years’ experience spanning litigation, corporate law, electricity law, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution. The statement highlighted her professional background across both public and private sectors, including her time at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company and her role as Head of the School of Law at Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria. She holds a Master of Laws degree in International Law and was credited with pioneering initiatives such as the establishment of a Law Clinic and a Student Bar Association.
The governor further approved the promotion of veteran Kannywood actress Aina’u Ade from Special Assistant to Senior Special Assistant on Kannywood Affairs, citing her impressive performance and dedication in her previous assignment.
The statement said the latest appointments and promotions reflect the administration’s resolve to reinforce governance structures and ensure the efficient management of public institutions. Governor Yusuf urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them through diligence, transparency and unwavering commitment to the Kano First Agenda.
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has issued a public alert over a fraudulent LinkedIn account impersonating its Director-General, Professor John Oladapo Obafunwa, urging Nigerians to disregard and report any communication linked to the fake profile.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Institute’s Media Consultant, Mr Sam Eferaro, NIMR disclosed that the impostor account has been sending misleading messages to unsuspecting individuals, falsely offering procurement opportunities, contracts and other business-related engagements.
According to the statement, the attention of the Institute was drawn to the existence of the fake LinkedIn profile posing as the Director-General, adding that all messages emanating from the account are entirely fraudulent.
NIMR cautioned members of the public against engaging with any messages purportedly sent by Professor Obafunwa through LinkedIn or other unofficial platforms, particularly those soliciting business dealings or financial commitments.
The Institute further emphasised that all legitimate interactions with vendors, contractors, partners and the public are conducted strictly through recognised and official institutional channels, in line with established public service procedures.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has dismissed calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria demanding the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made concerning genocide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN described the demand as unfounded and unjustifiable, stressing that Prof. Amupitan, like every Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to express opinions on matters of national interest, regardless of his public office.
The Fellowship maintained that the remarks attributed to the INEC chairman had no link to his official duties, noting that they were unrelated to elections or electoral processes, which fall within the scope of his professional responsibilities.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a citizen of Nigeria, has the right to speak on issues he perceives as affecting the nation, irrespective of his appointment or position,” the statement said.
PFN further condemned suggestions that the INEC chairman should be removed on the basis of personal views expressed outside his official mandate, warning that such actions could set a dangerous precedent where public officials are penalised for holding or expressing independent opinions.
The organisation also cautioned against interpreting national discourse through religious perspectives, arguing that such an approach risks deepening societal divisions and threatening peaceful coexistence.
“We must guard against profiling individuals or judging them based on religious considerations. Prof. Amupitan has the right to express his views, and this should not come at the expense of his office,” the statement added.
The Fellowship urged stakeholders to exercise restraint and mutual respect in addressing sensitive national issues, emphasising that unity, fairness, and peaceful engagement must remain central to public discourse.
PFN reaffirmed its commitment to justice and national cohesion, calling on Nigerians to uphold democratic values in responding to differing opinions on matters affecting the country.