In what has become a widely watched case on the abuse of power and military accountability, the Federal High Court in Abuja has slated June 19, 2025, for judgment in a N550 million fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Mr. Ambrose Akhigbe against the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff, and six others.
Mr. Akhigbe, an Assistant Director serving at the Command Secondary School in Lagos, alleges that he was assaulted and nearly murdered by uniformed soldiers after he recorded them subjecting students to what he described as inhumane punishment within the school premises. The incident, which reportedly occurred during school hours, sparked outrage among civil rights groups and raised questions about the conduct of military personnel in civilian educational institutions.
According to the suit, filed through his legal counsel, Akhigbe is demanding N550 million in damages as compensation for physical, psychological, and emotional trauma. He is also seeking a formal public apology from the Nigerian Army and its leadership, as well as a perpetual injunction restraining them from further harassment or intimidation.
The military defendants, including the Chief of Army Staff and officers allegedly involved in the assault, were noticeably absent during the court’s sitting on Monday, a development that the plaintiff’s counsel described as a deliberate attempt to stall justice and avoid accountability.
“This case is not just about one man’s brutalization; it is about sending a message that no institution, no matter how powerful, is above the law,” the counsel stated, urging the judiciary to rise in defense of fundamental human rights.
The case has drawn attention from human rights advocates, educational stakeholders, and members of the public, many of whom argue that Akhigbe's ordeal highlights a growing concern over military overreach in civilian spaces.
Observers believe that the outcome of the judgment could set a critical precedent in addressing similar cases of military impunity, especially as Nigeria continues to grapple with balancing security responsibilities with respect for civil liberties.
As Nigerians await the June 19 judgment with bated breath, the case serves as a test of the judiciary's resolve to hold even the most powerful institutions accountable for rights violations.