Acquitted By Federal High Court, Rearrested By Military: Lawyer Demands Suleiman Ibrahim’s Immediate Release
By Passman Akpos
Lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called on the Nigerian Army and Defence Headquarters to immediately release his client, Suleiman Ibrahim, alleging that he was rearrested despite having previously been discharged and acquitted by the Federal High Court.
Adeyanju made the demand in a September 14, 2026 letter addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff and copied to the Chief of Army Staff.
According to the lawyer, Ibrahim was arrested by officers of the Defence Headquarters Special Forces at Liman Ibada, Soba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on September 9, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m.
He said Ibrahim is currently being detained at the Forward Operation Base, Dokan Karshi, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Adeyanju stated that his client was arrested over allegations of belonging to a kidnapping syndicate allegedly operating around Rijana, Kachia and Doka in Kaduna State.
However, the lawyer argued that Ibrahim had previously faced trial over allegations connected to the matter and was acquitted by a competent court.
According to Adeyanju, Ibrahim was initially arrested by the Nigerian Police in September 2023 and subsequently arraigned before the Federal High Court in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/534/2023.
He said the case involved a three-count charge, including allegations of terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.
Adeyanju said he personally handled the case from beginning to end and that Ibrahim was eventually discharged and acquitted on all counts after spending about two years in prison custody.
“The authorities are fully aware of the judgment,” Adeyanju said.
The lawyer further alleged that Ibrahim was recently rearrested by members of the armed forces in his hometown while he was with members of his family.
Adeyanju argued that his client’s continued detention over allegations for which he had already been tried and acquitted raises serious constitutional concerns.
“Our client as a citizen is protected under the Constitution against double jeopardy (double trial) which he is currently being subjected to and in further breach of his constitutional right to fair hearing,” the lawyer stated in the letter.
He therefore urged the Chief of Defence Staff to order Ibrahim’s immediate release.
Adeyanju also called on the military authorities to ensure the safety of his client and prevent him from being subjected to further detention or harm over allegations in respect of which he had already been discharged and acquitted.
The lawyer said a Certified True Copy of the Federal High Court judgment was attached to his application for the Defence Headquarters to examine.
The letter was addressed to the Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Headquarters, Abuja, and copied to the Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army Headquarters.
As of the time of filing this report, no response from the Defence Headquarters or Nigerian Army was contained in the material made available to Tarakirivoice regarding the allegations raised by Adeyanju.
Tarakirivoice will continue to monitor the matter and report any response from the military authorities.
