Legal representatives of the 14 members of the Cattle Dealers Association of Dei-Dei International Market Maiduguri, Borno, have described their alleged detention as a breach of fundamental human rights as well as Contempt of Court, thereby calling for their immediate release
The legal representatives, Barrister Siraj. Hamza (Esq) and Ahmed Aliyu (Esq),. made the demand at a press conference held at Afe Babaloja Bar, Iyaganku’, Ibadan.
It was stated that the affected cattle dealers were allegedly arrested by the Civilians Joint Task Force (JTF) while on business assignment en route to Buratai-Miringa road on May 17, 2024, on their way to Tashan Alade Cattle Market to purchase cattle for the annual Eid el-Kabir festival, a significant cultural and religious event in Nigeria.
It was added that they were later handed over to the Military JTF for further interrogation.
“On May 17, 2024, the twelve dealers were travelling in two buses along the Buratai-Miringa Road to the Tashan Alade Cattle Market, intending to buy cattle for distribution among indigent members of society.”
The charitable initiative, according to the Counsel, is organised by a non-governmental organisation and has been a year-long tradition aimed at supporting the underprivileged in Abuja and its environs.”
The festival is marked by the slaughtering of hundreds of cows, with the meat distributed among those in need, including military personnel and their families. Prior to their arrest, the dealers had already transported 241 heads of cattle to Maiduguri and were set to acquire an additional 600 cows for the festival.”
The counsel stated that a suit was filed at the Borno High Court to seek their unconditional release.
Justice Babagana Karumi had in two separate judgements on August 6, 2024, in suit numbers BOHC/MG/FR/8/2024 and BOHC/MG/FR/13/2024 involving the Cattle Dealers Association of Dei-Dei International Market and the 14 applicants, Alhaji Shagari Yusuf, Chairman of the cattle dealers, and the Nigerian Army ruled that the fundamental rights of the applicants had been breached.
The court further ordered that “the respondents are to charge the applicants in a court of law within seven days from the date of this order.”
“If the respondents do not charge the applicants within the specified time, the applicants shall be released from custody immediately.”
“The Respondents shall release the 341 heads of cattle currently held in their custody to the Applicants, or alternatively, pay the sum of One Hundred Fifty-Three Million, Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Naira only (N153,450,000.00) in lieu thereof.”
The legal representatives, therefore, noted with dismay the disposition of the respondent to the court ruling.
They accused the respondent of disregarding the rule of law, arguing that the plaintiffs are yet to be released nor charged to the court despite the court ruling.
The lawyers, therefore, called on the Attorney General of the Federation to implement mechanisms for auditing and monitoring detention facilities across Nigeria to prevent further abuses.
They emphasised the judiciary’s critical role in enforcing the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and ensuring that the rights of detainees are upheld.
According to them, the detention of these individuals, all from the Dei-Dei Livestock Market in Abuja, drew significant attention, especially when Alhaji Shagari Usman Yusuf, the Chairman of the Association, attempted to secure their release.
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