Family Drags Nigerian Air Force, Sergeant To Court Over Death Of Civilian Hospital Worker
The family of late Yusuf Shuaibu has instituted a lawsuit against Sergeant Aminu Ibrahim and the Nigerian Air Force over the death of their 23-year-old son who tragically died on May 1 at 465 Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Kano State following physical assault and alleged torture.
This legal action has resulted in a fundamental human rights case being lodged at the National Industrial Court, Kano division under NICN KN/36/2024, naming Ibrahim and the Nigerian Air Force as defendants.
A.A. Hikima and Co., representing the deceased, filed the motion citing constitutional violations under sections 33, 34, and 35 of Nigeria's 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The lawsuit alleges that Ibrahim's actions, including severe physical assault resulting in fatal injuries, constituted a breach of Shuaibu's right to life and dignity.
The plaintiff seeks several declarations from the court, including N500 million in compensation, N50 million in exemplary damages, disciplinary action against Ibrahim, a public apology from the Nigerian Air Force, and coverage of legal costs.
The case's primary objective is to secure justice for Yusuf Shuaibu and to prevent future abuses within the institution.
It was reported in May that Shuaibu had accused an Air Force officer, simply identified as Aminu of brutalising his son, Yusuf Shuaibu to death in Kano State.
It was learnt that Shuaibu, a civilian who worked as a cleaner at the Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Kano, was allegedly bitten by Airman Aminu, leading to his death.
Shuaibu's death sparked outrage and protest by residents of Gwagwarwa community in the Nasarawa Local Government Area of the state. The protestors took to the streets, blocked the Airport Road and demanded justice for the late 23-year-old Shuaibu.
His father said, "On the ill-fated day, after completing a night shift, Yusuf was about to head home when Oga Aminu instructed him to perform a task.
“After complying, Yusuf requested money to buy food, as he was exhausted and hungry. In response, Oga Aminu reportedly attacked him, leaving visible bite marks on his body.
“Yusuf later returned home and shared the incident with us and some of his friends before going to bed.
“Tragically, when his brother later checked on him after a while, he discovered Yusuf’s lifeless body in his room," the bereaved father added.
The grieving father described the treatment meted out to his son as inhumane and a violation of his fundamental rights.
He urged the Kano State governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf; National Human Rights Commission, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, among others to ensure justice for his son.