By Muhammad Tanko
A Jos division of the Federal High Court, has on Friday ordered the Nigerian Army to pay ₦50 million in compensation to the family of the late Sadiq Adamu, who died after alleged torture in military custody.
Sadiq was arrested in 2021 at Farar-Gada, Jos North LGA, for violating a 10 PM curfew imposed due to security tensions.
He was reportedly tortured while in custody, leading to his death shortly after his release. His family, represented by counsel M.S. Salihu in suit No: FHC/J/CS/35/2021, Sa’Adatu Sabiu & anor Vs The Nigeria Army (2) ors, sought justice for what they described as, “inhumane and unlawful killing” of their breadwinner.
The Nigerian Army denied responsibility, claiming Sadiq sustained injuries while fleeing from a mob after allegedly attempting to rape a woman. They said he crashed his car and later died in his family’s care—not in army custody.
However, the court presided over by Justice Sharon T. Ishaya, faulted the Army’s handling of the case, condemning their failure to provide medical assistance to the victim despite his visible injuries.
She said although no autopsy was conducted, the court held that Sadiq’s death shortly after military detention pointed to torture-related injuries.
Nigerian Times reports that, while the family initially sought ₦250 million in damages, the court awarded ₦50 million, citing a violation of Sadiq’s fundamental right to life. The court also reminded the Army that arrest and prosecution fall under purview of police duties—not theirs.
Reacting to the judgement, the complainants’ lawyer, M.S. Salihu, hailed the ruling as a, “warning,” to the military against operating outside the law and violating citizens’ rights.
This verdict comes just weeks after another Jos court ordered the Army to pay ₦45 million for unlawfully detaining a POS operator, Nasak Sabur, for over two months without cause.
