Plateau: Court orders army to release detained Fulani leader

The Federal High Court Jos Division has ordered the Commander of Operations Safe Haven and General Officer Commanding 3 division, Major General Abdulsalam E. Abubakar, to release the detained Fulani leader, Baba Chiroma Waje Kado, unconditionally.

The court presided over by Justice Sharon Tanko Ishaya, said failure of the commander to release the applicant, pursuant to his fundamental rights will amount to contempt of court, which the military commander and his sector 4 commander at Barkin Ladi, has continued to disobey.

Chiroma Waje Kado, through his counsel, Badamasi K. Adams, has filed a suit No: FHC/J/CS/14/2024, seeking for the enforcement of his fundamental right, averring that the joint security taskforce, have unlawfully arrested and detained him since 5th January, 2024.

The court had on the 16th April, 2024, ordered the “unconditional release,” of the applicant, by the Commander, but the security outfit disobeyed the order.

The applicant’s counsel further told the court on the 30th April, 2024 that the respondents were served with the order, but had flaunted it, and continue to keep his client in detention.

He urged the court to give effect to its earlier order, since the respondents failed to obey and even appear before it.

Justice ST Ishaya granted the application as sought.

However, when contacted for comments, the media/officer of Operation Safe Haven, Major Nantip Zhakom, said he will find out about the said court orders from the legal officer and get back.

But as at the time of filling this report, Major Zhakom did not give further response.