Family Sues Nigerian Air Force, Sergeant Over Death Of Civilian NAF Hospital Worker, Demands N500Million Compensation

The family of the late Yusuf Shuaibu has filed a lawsuit against Sergeant Aminu Ibrahim and the Nigerian Air Force regarding the death of their 23-year-old son. He tragically passed away on May 1 at the 465 Nigerian Air Force Hospital in Kano State after reportedly suffering 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.

SaharaReporters 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.

SaharaReporters 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.

NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, told SaharaReporters at the time that the Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar had already ordered a discreet investigation into the incident to unravel what happened and bring anyone found culpable in Shuaibu’s death to justice.

According to him, the late Yusuf Shuaibu worked as a temporary staff member at the 465 NAF hospital in Kano.

“Two days ago, he had a misunderstanding with an airman over insubordination and refusal to follow certain directives,” he told SaharaReporters at the time. "The issue was resolved amicably, and the deceased went home without showing any signs of illness. Sadly, the news of his passing away came in the following day. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has ordered an investigation to uncover the cause of Mr. Yusuf’s unfortunate demise.”

"The commanders of the hospital and NAF Base Kano have also been directed to extend their condolences to the family of the deceased. The NAF will do everything to uncover the circumstances that led to his death," Gabkwet added.