Lawyers Sue Nigerian Army Over Excessive Checkpoints

On June 17, 2026, lawyers Aloi Ejimakor and Patrick Agazi initiated a class action suit against the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government of Nigeria, seeking N5 billion in damages. The suit, filed in the High Court of Enugu State, claims that the proliferation of military checkpoints in Southeast Nigeria has become oppressive and a menace to the people, violating their fundamental rights.

The plaintiffs, represented by Chinedu Augustin Agbodik, argue that these checkpoints result in harassment, extortion, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention, torture, and extrajudicial killings. They assert that the routine deployment of military personnel at these checkpoints lacks constitutional authority and constitutes an abuse of power.

The suit seeks a declaratory order to dismantle these checkpoints and demands the establishment of an independent investigation into military personnel implicated in human rights abuses since 2018. Additionally, the plaintiffs request a public apology from the military and the Federal Government.