A Nigerian Army Lance Corporal, Sambo Danladi, has testified in court about his alleged detention and torture by military authorities. On October 26, 2025, Danladi was approached by soldiers who claimed the General Officer Commanding (GOC) wanted to see him. He was handcuffed, blindfolded, and taken to Abuja, where he was detained at the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). Danladi stated that he was on a special assignment in Enugu State when the incident occurred.
According to Danladi, on October 27, 2025, a Captain Ukpong took his photograph and collected his personal information, including his Army number and residential address. Danladi was then questioned by Lieutenant Chima, who asked him about his identity and connection to Warrant Officer Nasiru, a senior military officer allegedly involved in the coup plot. Danladi denied any knowledge of the plot or his involvement.
Danladi testified that Captain Ukpong and Lieutenant Chima pressured him to implicate Warrant Officer Nasiru in the alleged coup plot. On October 28, 2025, the two officers questioned him about his relationship with Nasiru, and Danladi denied any involvement. Captain Ukpong allegedly told him that the authorities knew he was not involved but that he had been brought into the matter because of his closeness to Nasiru.
Danladi claimed that Captain Ukpong offered to release him if he agreed to testify against Nasiru. The captain allegedly appealed to Danladi's loyalty to the Nigerian Army, quoting core values and promising that he would not be implicated if he cooperated. Danladi requested permission to contact his wife or brother to arrange legal representation, but this was allegedly denied.
According to Danladi, Captain Ukpong presented him with a typed document containing information that could implicate him, and instructed him to read and copy it. Danladi stated that he eventually took the document and started copying it, despite initial reservations. During this process, he was taken to meet Lance Corporal Nasiru and instructed to tell him about the alleged promises made by the authorities.
Danladi testified that he was subsequently transferred to another facility, which he later confirmed was the IMC, where he has remained detained. His testimony was given during an examination-in-chief on September 10, 2025. The case is ongoing, with Danladi's allegations of torture and coercion being scrutinized by the court.
The case has raised concerns about military conduct and human rights in Nigeria. Danladi's allegations of blindfolding, detention, and coercion have sparked debate about the treatment of military personnel and the rule of law. The court is expected to hear further testimony and evidence in the case.
Key points
- Nigerian Army Lance Corporal Sambo Danladi alleges he was blindfolded, detained, and pressured to implicate Warrant Officer Nasiru in an alleged coup plot.
- Danladi claims he was offered release in exchange for testimony against Nasiru, but was denied permission to seek legal representation.
- The case has raised concerns about military conduct and human rights in Nigeria.
