Businessman Challenges Army’s Powers to Probe Civilians, Seeks N120m Damages

Jonathan Nwanze, a businessman, has taken the Nigerian Army to court, challenging their authority to investigate civilians suspected of financial crimes. In a lawsuit filed before the Federal High Court in Lagos, Nwanze is seeking N120 million in damages for his alleged unlawful arrest, detention, and invasion of his home. He is also asking the court to decide if the military has the legal right to probe civilians suspected of offenses that fall under the purview of civilian law enforcement agencies.

Nwanze's lawyer, Olawale Fapohunda SAN, informed the court that the Army had released his client without any charges being pressed. However, Fapohunda also revealed that the military is still holding Nwanze's international passport and other personal belongings. When Nwanze's lawyers tried to get the items back, they were required to withdraw the lawsuit. This led Fapohunda to argue that the legal proceedings should not be tied to the possibility of recovering Nwanze's belongings.

During the hearing, the lawyer for the Nigerian Army, O.E. Alaofin, promised to help release Nwanze's passport. However, Fapohunda pointed out that the respondents filed applications to regularize their counter-affidavit dated October 27, 2026. The matter was then adjourned until December 2, 2026, with the judge stating that the Attorney-General of the Federation should be given a chance to be heard.

In his lawsuit, Nwanze is seeking N50 million for unlawful arrest and detention, N40 million for violating his dignity as a human being and N30 million for the invasion of his home. He is also asking for declarations that his arrest and detention without a valid reason violated his right to personal liberty, as well as the right to privacy and family life.

The businessman also challenges the seizure and retention of his 2019 Hyundai Creta Evolution GLS and private documents, arguing that these actions violated his constitutional right to own property.