Retired General Sues Army Chiefs for ₦200 Billion

Retired Nigerian Army Major General Ali Keffi has initiated a ₦200 billion lawsuit against several military leaders, including the Chief of Army Staff and the Attorney General of the Federation, citing unlawful compulsory retirement, arrest, and torture. The case, marked NICN 48/399/2025, was heard in Abuja on Wednesday.

Keffi claims he was unlawfully detained for 64 days from October 18, 2021, to December 21, 2021, without formal charges, which he argues violated his constitutional rights to personal liberty and fair hearing. He seeks ₦100 billion in compensatory damages for the alleged unlawful actions and an additional ₦100 billion in punitive damages.

Furthermore, he requests the court to nullify the compulsory retirement letter and to ensure full payment of his pension benefits with interest. The court has adjourned the matter until April 30, 2026, to address preliminary objections raised by the defendants regarding jurisdiction and the statute of limitations.