Nigerian Army detaining our member unlawfully – Amnesty raises alarm

Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian Army of unlawfully detaining its member, Lawrance Zongo, in Plateau State since Monday, October 5, 2026, and denying him access to his lawyer.

The organisation said Zongo’s continued detention raised serious concerns about his fundamental rights and respect for the rule of law.

In a statement, Amnesty International disclosed that soldiers blocked a lawyer from formally gaining access to Zongo on Friday.

“The Nigerian Army is still unlawfully detaining our member in Plateau State, Lawrance Zongo, since Monday, 5 October, in utter disregard for the rule of law,” the organisation said.

It expressed concern that the military might continue to hold Zongo without allowing him to communicate with his family or consult a lawyer.

“What is happening to Lawrance shows impunity and abuse of power,” Amnesty International said.

The organisation stressed that whatever Zongo might be suspected of doing did not justify detaining him incommunicado or denying him access to legal representation.

“Whatever Lawrance Zongo is suspected of does not warrant detaining him incommunicado. We are deeply concerned that he is at grave risk,” the statement added.

Amnesty International called on the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos to immediately release Zongo or grant him access to his family and lawyers.