The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Corporal Amina Sani Maidoki remains in custody as part of a probe into the disappearance of $50,000 associated with Mrs. Salamatu Faruk Yahaya, wife of retired Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya. In a press release issued on May 27, 2025, Acting Director of Army Public Relations Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele said the detention follows lawful military procedures and is neither arbitrary nor in breach of Corporal Maidoki’s rights.
Corporal Maidoki was first taken into custody at the private residence of Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya in April and later moved to the guardroom at General Yakubu Gowon Barracks in Abuja. Family members and human-rights advocates have cried foul, claiming the soldier was held without access to legal counsel, subjected to harassment, and denied family visits. The Army’s statement expressly rejects these claims, insisting Maidoki is treated under “the highest standards of military ethics” and “appropriate welfare” is maintained.
Under the Armed Forces Act (Cap A20 LFN 2004) and internal regulations, service personnel suspected of misconduct may be detained pending investigation. Lt. Col. Anele stressed that such disciplinary measures are “guided by due process” and that Maidoki “continues to receive legal and human-rights protections.” The release appealed to the public to disregard “false submissions” circulating in the media and on social platforms.
The case has inflamed public debate over how the military handles allegations against its own ranks, especially when high-profile figures are involved. Mrs. Salamatu Yahaya is the spouse of Nigeria’s immediate past Army boss, and speculation has swirled that she used her influence to expedite the soldier’s arrest. SaharaReporters first exposed details of the detention, including claims that Maidoki was forced to sleep on the floor and deprived of basic comforts.
Legal experts note that while commanders have authority to detain personnel under the Armed Forces Act, any such action must trigger prompt court-martial proceedings or referral to civilian courts. Critics of the Army’s handling argue that long stretches of “preventive” custody without formal charge can amount to human-rights abuses. They call for clear timelines and transparency, so that allegations—whether true or false—are tested in a proper forum.
In recent years, the Nigerian Army has faced scrutiny over its treatment of soldiers accused of crimes ranging from theft to desertion. In 2023, a major review of military justice found delays in trial processes and uneven application of discipline. Reforms were promised to speed up hearings and ensure all accused are informed of charges and allowed legal representation from the outset.
Families of detained soldiers often lack information on case progress. In Maidoki’s situation, relatives say they have not been told what evidence exists against her, when her statement will be taken, or when she will see a tribunal. “We have no idea if she even understands the allegations,” a family spokesman said. “She’s a corporal doing her duty; she deserves fair treatment and clarity.”
Lt. Col. Anele’s statement underscores that Maidoki’s case is being managed with “utmost regard” for her rights, but stops short of providing details on how soon investigators will conclude their work. She said only that the Army welcomes “lawful communication” from Maidoki’s legal team, as long as it does not disrupt ongoing procedures.
Beyond the immediate dispute, the episode highlights tensions between military authority and human-rights norms in Nigeria. Civil-military relations experts warn that any perception of impunity for high-ranking individuals, or undue hardship for low-rank soldiers, erodes morale and public trust. They urge the Army to publish clear guidelines on detention duration, visitation rights, and appeal mechanisms for service members.
International observers also take note. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights advocates that all states, including their armed forces, uphold the right to fair trial. Preventive detention should be brief, and suspects must be charged before an independent court “without undue delay.” Prolonged administrative custody, they say, risks violating the very values the military defends.
For now, Maidoki remains at Gowon Barracks. The missing $50,000 fund at the centre of the probe has not been recovered, and nobody else has publicly been tied to the case. The Army has not named any co-suspects or offered a timeline for recovery efforts. Meanwhile, friends of the former Army chief’s household maintain silence, and Mrs. Yahaya has not issued a personal statement.
As Nigerians watch closely, the Army faces a delicate balancing act. It must demonstrate it can investigate alleged misconduct—and especially any matter touching retired senior officers—without appearing to shield or victimise any party. How it navigates Maidoki’s detention could set precedent for future cases and shape perceptions of justice within the force.
Ultimately, the rule of law demands that every accused, from the highest general to the lowest private, see charges tested in an impartial forum. Whether the Nigerian Army will fully align its internal discipline with this principle is now under the spotlight. For Corporal Maidoki, the next steps—formal charge, tribunal date, or release—will determine not just her fate, but the broader credibility of military justice in Nigeria.
