Private Mohammed Idris, a soldier of the Nigerian Army, has reportedly collapsed at a detention facility in Maiduguri, Borno State, after months of being denied medical attention. Idris, with military number 19NA/78/3048, has been in detention at the Annex facility in Pompomari without formal charges, according to sources.
Idris, a medical staff member attached to the 7 Division military hospital in Maiduguri, had been detained after exposing Corporal Agbo, a military police officer, for allegedly aiding a Boko Haram member.
Allegations Against Corporal Agbo
According to reports, Corporal Agbo allowed a detained Boko Haram member to use Idris’ phone to contact other terrorists. The incident came to light when one of the contacts returned a call to the same phone days later, prompting Idris to report the matter to military authorities.
Both Idris and Agbo were detained following the incident, but sources claim Agbo later confessed to receiving money from the terrorist’s family. Despite this, Agbo was reportedly reabsorbed into military service while Idris remained in detention.
Family’s Plea for Medical Attention
Idris’ health reportedly deteriorated in detention, prompting his family to appeal for his release on humanitarian grounds. A letter dated September 20, 2024, signed by his brother, Assistant Inspector of Customs Hashimu, requested his release for medical treatment and a resolution to the case.
The plea was rejected by military authorities, and Idris has remained in detention for nearly two years.
Soldier’s Condition Critical
A source disclosed on Tuesday that Idris recently collapsed due to his critical health condition.
“Right now, the soldier is in a critical condition in detention. He collapsed recently,” the source revealed. “They have maltreated the soldier despite his innocence. It’s so sad.”
The Nigerian Army has not publicly commented on Idris’ current condition or the circumstances surrounding his prolonged detention.