By Sabiu Abdullahi

A senior Nigerian Army officer, Col. Abdussalam A. Ude, has been killed after suspected kidnappers attacked his residence in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The attack occurred on Monday night in the border community near the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Initial reports had incorrectly suggested that the incident took place in Abuja.

According to sources in the community, the gunmen stormed the officer’s residence during a heavy downpour and attempted to abduct him. The officer reportedly resisted the attackers before they shot him several times.

A resident, who is a journalist, and a community leader confirmed the incident.

“They came during the rain. They wanted to kidnap him, but he resisted. He was shot multiple times,” one of the sources said.

The source added that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Kurudu visited the scene on Tuesday and evacuated the deceased’s body to a morgue.

“The DPO of Kurudu was there earlier today. He took the corpse to a morgue,” the source added.

Earlier, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the incident did not occur within the command’s jurisdiction.

“This didn’t happen under our jurisdiction. It happened in Nasarawa. Contact the Nasarawa command,” she said.

The spokesperson for the Nasarawa State Police Command, SP Ramhan Nansel, also said he was unaware of the incident when contacted.

However, the FCT Police Command later released a statement confirming that its investigation established that the attack took place in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and not within the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the command, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, ordered an investigation immediately after reports of the attack circulated online.

“Investigations revealed that the incident occurred in Badna, New Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and not within the jurisdiction of the FCT Police Command as falsely portrayed in the circulating publications,” the statement read.

The command criticised reports that placed the incident in Abuja. It said the inaccurate reports created unnecessary panic among residents of the nation’s capital.

“The command is concerned that some blogs and media outlets, in an attempt to gain traction, have deliberately attributed the incident to the FCT, thereby creating unnecessary panic, heightening public anxiety, and misinforming residents of the nation’s capital,” it stated.

The police also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had directed the deployment of operational and intelligence assets to communities bordering Nasarawa State to prevent criminal elements from entering the FCT.

“The CP FCT command has proactively ordered the immediate deployment of operational and intelligence assets to border communities adjoining the FCT with Nasarawa State, to prevent any attempt by criminal elements to infiltrate the Federal Capital Territory or perpetrate any criminal activity within the nation’s capital,” the statement added.

The command urged media organisations and members of the public to verify security-related information before publication. It warned that inaccurate reports could erode public confidence and create unnecessary fear.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said a statement on the incident was being prepared.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The University of Jos Alumni Association has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged mob killing of one of its members, Ibrahim Mbaya, and urged security agencies to ensure that everyone connected with the incident is brought to justice.

Mbaya, a Jos-based model and alumnus of the University of Jos, reportedly lost his life on Sunday after he was allegedly attacked by a group of youths at an off-campus apartment behind the City of David area along Ring Road in Jos, Plateau State.

The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced the arrest of three suspects identified as Rinji Daniel Fwanji, Emmanuel Newyear and Nensemka Fwanji over the alleged culpable homicide.

According to available reports, Mbaya attended a social event before deciding to spend the night at a friend’s apartment because it was too late for him to return home. He was also said to have been working to resolve an outstanding academic matter at the University of Jos.

The following morning, his friend allegedly informed him that an iPhone was missing and accused him of stealing it because both of them were the only occupants of the apartment. Although Mbaya initially left the premises, he reportedly returned after his friend asked him to come back and explain himself.

Police said he was confronted by his friend and a group of youths after his return. The group allegedly accused him of stealing the phone before assaulting him with sticks and other objects for several hours in an attempt to force a confession. He eventually lost consciousness, while a nurse who examined him later reportedly confirmed that he had died.

The command also disclosed that one of the suspects appeared in a viral video allegedly hitting the deceased with a large wooden plank.

Reacting to the incident, the University of Jos Alumni Association condemned the killing in a statement issued on Tuesday. The association described the attack as “barbaric, unjustifiable, and a gross violation of the right to life.”

“We are deeply saddened and outraged by the gruesome killing of our colleague and brother, Ibrahim Mbaya,” the statement read.

“No Nigerian deserves to die in such a manner, irrespective of any allegation against them.”

The association urged the relevant authorities to speed up investigations, arrest every person involved in the incident and ensure that those responsible face justice.

“We demand justice for Ibrahim Mbaya. The rule of law must prevail and not mob action,” the association stated, urging the police to make public the findings of their investigation.

The alumni body also appealed to governments at all levels to intensify public awareness campaigns against jungle justice and strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call for all of us. We must collectively reject mob killings and allow due process to take its course,” the statement added.

The association also expressed sympathy to Mbaya’s family and pledged its support in their pursuit of justice.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A court in the United Kingdom has sentenced a 19-year-old Nigerian student, Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, to seven years in prison after convicting him of robbery, blackmail and assault linked to a violent attack on partygoers in Leicestershire.

According to the BBC, Leicester Crown Court also sentenced Richile Vangu, 20, to 11 years’ imprisonment over the same offences. The sentences were handed down on Monday by trial judge Steven Evans.

The court heard that the incident occurred during a house party in North Kilworth, Leicestershire, on November 21, 2025. Evans said Vangu masterminded a plan to intimidate guests with a knife and force them to perform dances that would later appear on social media. He added that Akinrinola was among those recruited to execute the scheme.

The judge said the pair forced at least eight men into a bedroom, threatened them with a large knife and stole designer clothing and an iPhone.

The BBC reported that Vangu demanded £1,000 from each victim. He allegedly threatened to stab anyone who refused to pay before ordering them to perform TikTok dances.

The report stated that some victims who could not transfer the money immediately were instructed to report later that day to student accommodation on Bath Lane.

When they arrived, Akinrinola allegedly forced some of the men to perform star jumps and high knees before punching them several times.

The court also heard that Vangu whipped some of the victims with a belt, fired a BB gun at their heads and threatened to cut off their dreadlocks if they failed to make the requested payments. He later uploaded videos from both locations to TikTok.

While delivering judgment, Evans said Akinrinola had acted under Vangu’s influence. However, he concluded that the Nigerian student played a significant role in the crimes.

The judge held that although Akinrinola was “subservient” to Vangu, he played “an essential part” in the offences.

Vangu was convicted on four counts of robbery, 10 counts of blackmail and one count of actual bodily harm.

Akinrinola was found guilty of nine counts of blackmail, four counts of robbery and two counts of actual bodily harm. The court, however, acquitted him on one count of blackmail.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a National Housing Finance Authority (NHFA) as part of efforts to improve access to affordable housing finance across Nigeria.

The proposal was unveiled by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Darma, during a stakeholders’ validation workshop held in Abuja on Tuesday, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

Darma said the proposed authority would be created under a new national mortgage industry policy. He explained that the initiative would strengthen mortgage financing, reposition the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), and widen participation in the National Housing Fund (NHF).

He said the planned reforms would allow traders, artisans and other workers in the informal sector to participate in the NHF. The minister added that contributors would be able to join the scheme with monthly payments starting from ₦5,000.

According to him, the initiative is expected to promote financial inclusion and create more opportunities for Nigerians to own affordable homes.

The minister also highlighted the growing importance of the real estate sector to the country’s economy. He said the sector now contributes about 13.4 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with an estimated value of about ₦41 trillion. He noted that it has become the country’s third-largest sector following the rebasing of the national accounts.

He further stated that the combined value of the real estate and construction sectors exceeded ₦77 trillion in 2025.

“After the rebasing of our accounts, real estate services alone account for about 13.4 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, roughly N41 trillion,” the minister said.

“It is our third-largest sector, ahead of telecommunications and crude oil. With construction added, the two crossed N77 trillion in 2025.

“Dubai is smaller than Kano. The difference is not money. The difference is trust, and trust is manufactured by regulation.”

Darma said improved regulation and stronger housing finance would increase investor confidence and encourage greater private sector investment in the housing industry.

He added that the government is proposing the establishment of a National Housing Industry Regulatory Commission to improve oversight of property developers and mortgage operators.

According to the minister, the planned reforms form part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to reduce the country’s housing deficit, improve affordability and support sustainable urban development.

Earlier, on January 19, the Federal Government announced a new national housing strategy that focuses on land reforms, urban renewal and public-private partnerships (PPPs) as part of efforts to tackle Nigeria’s housing shortage.

By Zainab Yusuf

The chair is still there. But the chair remains empty.

If you have ever lost someone you loved, you know this feeling. Grief is strange that way. It doesn’t only announce itself at funerals or cemeteries. It hides in familiar voices you no longer hear, in old photographs, and in phone numbers that are impossible to delete.

Grief is one of the few experiences that spares no one. It crosses every boundary—age, religion, wealth, education and nationality. Yet despite being universal, it remains one of the least understood human experiences. Society expects mourners to “move on,” even when their hearts are still learning how to beat around an empty space.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of people each year experience bereavement following the death of loved ones, while humanitarian crises, conflicts and disease outbreaks continue to expose even more families to profound loss. Researchers estimate that around 7–10% of bereaved adults develop prolonged grief disorder, a condition where intense grief persists far beyond what is culturally expected and significantly interferes with daily functioning.

In 2022, the American Psychiatric Association officially recognized Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). Similarly, the World Health Organization included Prolonged Grief Disorder in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), acknowledging that grief can sometimes become a serious mental health condition requiring professional support.

Swiss-American psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced the famous five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance—in 1969. Yet decades later, researchers caution against treating those stages as a checklist.

Psychologist George Bonanno, one of the world’s leading grief researchers, found that human beings grieve in remarkably different ways. Some cry every day. Others rarely cry at all. Some recover relatively quickly. Others carry grief for years.

Grief Has No Timeline

Faith Does Not Cancel Tears

Across cultures and religions, grief is treated not as failure but as part of being human.

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lost his infant son Ibrahim, tears flowed from his eyes. He said: “The eyes shed tears, the heart grieves, but we say only what pleases our Lord.”

His response has comforted grieving Muslims for centuries. Likewise, the Bible records perhaps its most famous expression of sorrow in just two words: “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35)

Neither Islam nor Christianity teaches believers to suppress grief. Instead, both remind humanity that faith and sorrow can exist together.

Sociologists like Tony Walter argue against older, psychoanalytic models that suggest the goal of grief is to “let go” or detach from the deceased. Instead, they highlight that individuals often maintain an ongoing, internal, or virtual relationship with the deceased, keeping their memory alive in daily life and collective storytelling.

Grief wears many faces.

Like the university student who lost his mum.

“Some days, I just want to hear her say, ‘I’m proud of you.’ My mum meant everything to me. Losing her felt like everything in my life would fall apart,” he said.

Although his mother is gone, he says her influence remains alive in the relationships she built during her lifetime.

“I keep her memory alive by maintaining the relationships she had while she was alive. In that way, a part of her continues to live through the people she loved.”

The Last Word

There is a Hausa proverb:

“Mutuwa ba ta da rana.”

Death has no appointed day. It arrives without invitation. Without negotiation.

Call your parents, visit your grandparents, forgive your sibling, tell your friend you love them.

Because one ordinary day will become the day you remember forever.

And when grief finally comes knocking, as it eventually does for every human being, may it find you with as few regrets as possible.

In the end, we are remembered not by the years we lived…

…but by the love we left behind.

Zainab Yusuf writes from Kogi State, Nigeria and can be reached via yusufzainab808@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has announced the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service (KADIRS), Mr. Jerry Adams, as his running mate for the 2027 governorship election.

The governor made the announcement in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said the decision followed extensive consultations, careful reflection and prayers. He added that the nomination reflects his administration’s commitment to justice, equity, competence and inclusive governance.

According to Uba Sani, the choice goes beyond selecting a deputy governorship candidate. He said it represents the core values that have shaped his administration since he assumed office on May 29, 2023.

“This decision is far greater than the selection of a deputy governorship candidate. It is a reaffirmation of the values that have guided our administration since I took the oath of office on 29 May 2023; the values of inclusion, justice, fairness, equity and the unwavering conviction that every citizen of Kaduna State deserves a genuine sense of belonging.”


The governor described Kaduna’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as one of the state’s greatest assets. He said his administration has pursued policies that encourage unity, dialogue and balanced development across all parts of the state.

He also stated that government projects in roads, education, healthcare, water supply, agriculture, rural development and social protection have reached all 23 local government areas. He said the approach aims to ensure that every community benefits from government interventions.

Uba Sani further noted that continuous engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups, women and youth organisations has strengthened peace-building efforts. He said the engagement has also improved security and renewed the confidence of farmers, businesses and investors.

The governor praised Adams as an experienced public servant and tax administrator. He said the KADIRS chairman has transformed the state’s revenue agency through effective leadership.

He credited Adams with improving Kaduna State’s internally generated revenue through innovation, transparency and professionalism. He added that the increase in revenue has enabled the government to invest more in key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture.

Uba Sani also described his running mate as a man of integrity, humility and competence. He said the nomination demonstrates his administration’s commitment to merit, character and inclusive leadership.

He urged residents of Kaduna State to view the development as an opportunity to strengthen unity and shared prosperity instead of focusing on religious, ethnic or regional differences.

“As we look towards 2027, I invite every son and daughter of Kaduna State to see this moment not through the narrow prism of religion, ethnicity or geography, but through the broader vision of the Kaduna we are building together; a Kaduna where every child can dream without fear, every community can flourish, every faith is respected and every citizen has an equal stake in our common future,” he said.


The governor expressed confidence that his administration has established a strong foundation for a more peaceful, secure and prosperous Kaduna State. He pledged to build on its achievements and continue implementing policies that promote unity, fairness and sustainable development.

By Dahiru Kasimu Adamu

University life is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse activities, yet one of its defining features is its ability to accommodate people from different cultural backgrounds. Amid the pursuit of academic excellence, a powerful movement is taking root, ensuring that heritage is not lost but celebrated. 

Over the years, students’ associations representing various states and local governments have been at the forefront of transferring cultural heritage across institutions, turning campuses into living museums of tradition. A prime example of this cultural renaissance is the Argungu Emirates Students Association (ARESA), Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, chapter, which recently organised its annual ARESA Day. 

Academically, the event was a showcase of intellect, featuring debates, poetry recitals, and spelling competitions where students from different local governments participated in various categories. However, it was the cultural display that truly captivated the minds and hearts of hundreds of attendees, stealing the show with its vivid authenticity.

The highlight of the event was the recreation of the Argungu Emirate Council. In a meticulously staged setting, students assumed the roles of traditional rulers and dignitaries. Aminu Sani took on the prestigious role of Kunduɗan kabi, while Ahmed Sani served as Sarkin shanun Kabi. The court was complete with district heads, including the Sarkin Zabarmawa, Mai Arewa, and Sarkin Samari, who, along with other important figures such as Kunduɗa, paid homage to the Emir. Adding to the royal pageantry, Gimbiya was present, with Masa’uda Khadija Usman Abubakar and her entourage bringing the historical narratives to life.

The Argungu Emirate is a melting pot of the Hausa, Fulani, and Zabarmawa tribes; the event featured traditional dances from each group performed before the Emir. This spectacle served as a vibrant testament to the unity and peaceful coexistence that defines the Emirate.

According to the leadership of the ARESA UDUS chapter, the aim of this cultural immersion is to showcase Argungu Emirate’s rich history, cultural heritage, and strength, while fostering unity among students. The impact on the audience was palpable. Yusuf Garba, a student from Niger State, noted that the cultural display helped him “identify the structure of Argungu Emirate council, indicating the cultural heritage of the people.” Similarly, Ruadat Ibrahim from the south-west highlighted the traditional dances of the Hausa and Zabarma tribes as the aspect that “hijacked her mind.”

Witnesses of the event have since encouraged other student associations to emulate ARESA’s initiative in showcasing their culture. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has approved a 35% increase in hazard allowances for junior and senior members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) working in federal universities.

The new allowance package will take effect from January 1, 2026. The approval followed an agreement reached between the Federal Government and NASU on June 29, 2026.

The decision was conveyed in a circular dated July 20, 2026. Adighiogu Chiadi, Acting Secretary of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), signed the circular. It was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, ministers and heads of government agencies.

The circular stated: “Following the agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions dated 29th June 2026, the Federal Government has approved the payment of the following allowances to non-teaching staff members of NASU in Federal Universities.”

Under the revised package, laboratory hazard allowance for workers on CONTISS 1–5 increased from N180,000 to N243,000 annually. Employees on CONTISS 6–15 will now receive N486,000 each year instead of N360,000. The increases represent 35% for both categories. NASU had requested annual payments of N360,000 and N720,000 respectively.

The government also reviewed responsibility allowances for senior non-teaching staff. Registrars and bursars will now receive N840,000 annually instead of N750,000. The union had demanded N1.5 million.

Deputy registrars, deputy bursars and deputy directors will receive N480,000 annually, although NASU sought N600,000.

Directors will receive an annual responsibility allowance of N600,000 for the first time. The amount meets the union’s request. Heads of sections, who previously had no responsibility allowance, will now earn N150,000 annually. NASU had proposed N900,000 for the category.

The government also approved higher allowances for field trips, teaching practice and industrial supervision. Workers on CONTISS 1–5 will receive N81,000 annually instead of N60,000, while those on CONTISS 6–12 will receive N108,000 instead of N80,000. Staff on CONTISS 13–15 will now earn N135,000 annually, up from N100,000.

For the Students’ Work Experience Programme (SWEP), workers on CONTISS 1–5 will receive N81,000 annually, while those on CONTISS 6–12 will earn N108,000. Employees on CONTISS 13–15 will now receive a harmonised annual allowance of N135,000, replacing the previous range of N60,000 to N100,000. NASU had proposed N200,000 for the category.

The circular further stated that the Provision Tools Allowance (PTA) has been merged into the Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CATA). It also noted that laboratory student-to-staff ratio supplementation will now be covered under excess workload arrangements.

The review followed months of discussions between the Federal Government and NASU. The union had argued that the allowances approved under the 2009 agreement were no longer adequate because of inflation and the rising cost of living.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The South African government has expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its contribution to the country’s liberation from apartheid. It also pledged to strengthen cooperation with Abuja as both nations seek solutions to the recurring attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

Ronald Lamola, South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa had reportedly asked Lamola to deliver a message to President Bola Tinubu. However, Tinubu delegated the meeting to Enikanolaiye.

Lamola said his visit was intended to reaffirm the long-standing relationship between both countries and discuss concerns over the violence directed at foreign nationals in South Africa.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s support for South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. He described the assistance as a historic sacrifice that South Africans continue to appreciate.

“We remain deeply indebted to the people of Nigeria for their sacrifice,” Lamola said.

He also stated that President Ramaphosa’s administration rejects xenophobia, racism, discrimination, homophobia and every form of intolerance.

The minister, however, maintained that South Africa has the responsibility to enforce its immigration laws and tackle irregular migration as well as crimes such as drug trafficking, internet fraud and other offences.

Lamola added that migration has become a challenge across Africa. He said the issue requires collective action in line with the African Union’s framework on orderly and regular migration.

“We believe that Nigeria and South Africa have a shared responsibility to respond to these challenges within the African continent,” he said.

He noted that President Ramaphosa’s message to Tinubu would be discussed during a private meeting.

In his remarks, Enikanolaiye said President Tinubu directed the engagement to address the continued attacks on Nigerians in South Africa openly and sincerely.

He called on the South African government to take decisive steps to end what Nigeria described as repeated Afrophobic attacks against Nigerians and other African nationals. He warned that the violence could undermine decades of cooperation between Africa’s two biggest economies.

The minister disclosed that official records show 98 Nigerians have lost their lives in mob and hate-related attacks in South Africa since 2022.

He added that 5 Nigerians have been killed this year, although some returnees claimed the actual number could be higher.

Enikanolaiye stressed that Nigeria does not support criminal activities. He said anyone accused of an offence should face prosecution through the courts instead of mob action.

“Nigeria will not support drug traffickers or any criminal activity, but those accused of crimes must be treated in accordance with the rule of law, South Africa’s Constitution and international human rights standards,” he said.

He also noted that many victims of the attacks were lawful residents of South Africa. He questioned why security agencies failed to intervene in some cases. He said such incidents raise concerns about the protection of foreign nationals.

According to the minister, nearly 1,500 Nigerians have been repatriated from South Africa this year.

“I shed tears when I received the first batch of evacuees. I saw children, women and the elderly returning home with almost nothing after their properties had been looted and destroyed. That is not the Africa we want,” he said.

Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with South Africa. He expressed hope that both countries would deepen dialogue, rebuild mutual confidence and uphold the ideals of African solidarity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The National Industrial Court (NIC) in Lagos has directed the Nigerian Army to reinstate 70 soldiers who were convicted by courts-martial in 2014 but later received an unconditional presidential pardon from the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Justice Sanda Yelwa delivered the judgment on July 20. The court held that the presidential pardon granted under Section 175 of the 1999 Constitution nullified the soldiers’ convictions, prison sentences and dismissals from service. The ruling stated that the pardon restored their legal status and entitled them to return to the Nigerian Army.

The judgment followed a suit filed by the 70 soldiers against the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The case, marked NICN/LA/54/2023, challenged the military authorities’ failure to reinstate them despite the presidential pardon.

A statement issued on Monday by Tayo Soyemi of Falana & Falana Chambers, counsel to the claimants, said the soldiers sought declarations that the pardon invalidated their convictions and dismissals. They also asked the court to compel the Nigerian Army to reinstate them and pay their outstanding salaries and allowances from December 17, 2014.

The soldiers had faced trial before different courts-martial in 2014 over allegations of conspiracy and mutiny. They were initially sentenced to death, but the sentences were later reduced to 10 years’ imprisonment.

After completing their prison terms, Buhari granted them an unconditional presidential pardon through the Instrument of Grant of Pardon, 2022, which appeared in the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette dated July 29, 2022.

According to the statement, Falana & Falana Chambers wrote to the Chief of Army Staff on November 7, 2022, to request the soldiers’ reinstatement and payment of their entitlements. The legal firm said the letter was acknowledged, but the Army did not act on the request.

Funmi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), argued on behalf of the claimants that the presidential pardon removed every legal consequence of the convictions, including their dismissal from service.

The Federal Government, represented by Omobolanle Aina, opposed the suit. It argued that although a presidential pardon forgives an offence and restores civil rights, it does not erase the fact that a conviction occurred or automatically qualify a beneficiary for reinstatement.

The statement also noted that the Chief of Army Staff neither entered an appearance nor filed a defence before the court.

In his judgment, Justice Yelwa held that the official gazette was sufficient proof that all 70 soldiers benefited from the presidential pardon. He also ruled that the Nigerian Army failed to challenge the evidence presented or explain why the request for reinstatement was ignored.

The court found that the soldiers’ dismissal resulted directly from their convictions by the courts-martial. It held that the dismissals could no longer stand after the presidential pardon.

Justice Yelwa stated that although the process of reinstatement remained an administrative responsibility of the Nigerian Army, the soldiers had acquired an enforceable legal right to return to service because the constitutional obstacle to their employment no longer existed.

However, the court rejected the claim for salaries covering the period between December 17, 2014, and July 17, 2022. It ruled that the soldiers could not claim salaries for the period they were imprisoned because they did not perform official duties. The judge also noted that the instrument granting the presidential pardon did not provide for retrospective salary payments.

The court subsequently ordered the immediate reinstatement of the 70 soldiers with effect from July 18, 2022. It also directed the defendants to pay all salaries, allowances and other entitlements due to the soldiers from that date until they are formally reinstated.