Lawyer Petitions COAS, Demands Release of Yobe Politician Mai Salati Detained By Army

A lawyer and human rights activist, Hamza N. Dantani Esq, has petitioned the Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Abuja, over the continued detention of Yobe politician, Mai Salati, demanding his release or grant of administrative bail pending conclusion of investigations.

In an open appeal addressed to the Chief of Army Staff and obtained by NORTHERN NIGERIA HUB, Dantani urged the Army leadership to reconsider Salati’s detention and handle the matter with transparency and fairness to preserve public confidence.

“We respectfully write to appeal to the leadership of the Nigerian Army to reconsider the continued detention of Mai Salati and grant him administrative bail pending the conclusion of the investigation, subject to applicable law and reasonable conditions,” the petition read.

Dantani acknowledged the Army’s press release on Salati’s arrest over allegations of bribery and other criminal offences, and recognized the Army’s responsibility to investigate wrongdoing and protect national security. He however stressed that every individual is entitled to fair treatment and presumption of innocence.

“Every individual is entitled to fair treatment and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in accordance with the law,” he stated.

The activist noted that Mai Salati is a prominent figure in Yobe State’s political history who has contributed to national service, and warned that his arrest shortly after defecting from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be perceived as politically motivated.

“Throughout his period of association with the APC, many people may have observed that he was not arrested or detained over any allegation. However, shortly after he decamped to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), he was arrested. This sequence of events may cause members of the public to question the circumstances surrounding his arrest,” Dantani said.

He added that many Nigerians would find it difficult to believe in the impartiality of the Army if the detention is seen as targeting opposition figures, especially in the prevailing political climate.

“We therefore respectfully urge the Nigerian Army to handle the matter with utmost transparency, fairness and professionalism in order to preserve public confidence in the institution,” he appealed.

The lawyer clarified that the appeal was not aimed at interfering with lawful investigation or placing anyone above the law, but to ensure objectivity.

“We are not seeking to interfere with any lawful investigation or to place anyone above the law. Rather, we respectfully request that, where continued detention is not necessary, Mai Salati be granted administrative bail pending the conclusion of the investigation or released where there is no sufficient lawful basis for his continued detention,” he said.

Dantani also commended officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their courage, patriotism and sacrifices in defending the nation against Boko Haram, banditry and other security threats, while extending condolences to families of fallen soldiers.

“We recognise their sleepless nights and the difficult conditions under which they operate to ensure that Nigerians can sleep with both eyes closed,” he said.

He urged the Chief of Army Staff to give the appeal favourable consideration.