By Abdullateef Bambgose
A legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Hamza N. Dantani, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of Abdulrahman Mustapha, popularly known as “Abchin,” by personnel of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Dantani in a press statement made available to Newsmen in Abuja, described the incident as unlawful, tragic, and unjustifiable, noting that it reportedly occurred on March 22, 2026, around the Polo axis near the Federal High Court, specifically in the Karshen Kolta area of the city.
According to accounts, the deceased, a resident of Gamboru Ward, was unarmed at the time of the incident and had just returned from a Sallah visit to his sibling’s residence.
He stated that the killing represents a clear violation of fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), particularly the right to life and personal liberty.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident bear all the hallmarks of an extrajudicial killing and are inconsistent with the rule of law,” he said.
Dantani also raised concerns over the reported actions of the military personnel after the incident, alleging that the victim’s body, along with his vehicle, was taken to the GRA Police Station without proper explanation.
He added that the deceased was later conveyed to the Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, where he was confirmed dead following police intervention.
The human rights lawyer warned that such conduct suggests possible abuse of power, lack of accountability, and disregard for established rules of engagement by security operatives.
He called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident, as well as the identification, arrest, and prosecution of those found responsible.
Dantani also demanded a public explanation from the Nigerian Army, adequate compensation for the victim’s family, and reforms to ensure strict compliance with constitutional provisions and respect for human rights by security personnel.
He stressed that failure to address such incidents decisively could erode public confidence in state institutions and encourage further violations.
“The sanctity of human life must be upheld at all times. No individual or institution is above the law,” he said.
