Metro
Court Nullifies 15-Year Compulsory Service Rule for Soldiers
The National Industrial Court (NIC) sitting in Abuja has nullified the provision of the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for the Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces (HTACOS), which made it mandatory for soldiers to serve for a minimum of 15 years before they could be allowed to resign.
The court, in a judgement that was delivered by Justice Emmanuel Subilim, declared the provision as both oppressive and a gross violation of fundamental rights that are protected by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
The verdict followed a suit marked: NICN/ABJ/25/2025, which a dissatisfied Air Force personnel, Flight Lieutenant J. A. Akerele, lodged before the court.
The Claimant, who told the court that he was commissioned in 2013 as a Pilot Officer during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, specifically challenged what he described as his “systematic persecution and victimisation,” by the authorities of the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, after he applied to disengage from service.
He told the court that the then Chief of Air Staff not only rejected his resignation letter but equally declared him AWOL with a signal issued for his arrest.
Narrating his ordeal, the Claimant, in an affidavit he filed in support of the suit that was entered on his behalf by a human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, averred:
“Before the 14th day of September 2013, I was selected based on merit as a final year student in the Nigerian Defence Academy in July 2013 to complete my Flight training in the United States of America.
“During the course of my studies, allowances were no longer released for about 5) five months and I was abruptly recalled from the course in July 2014, and this led to my loss of seniority in rank, and I was not assigned to any unit for over a year.
“I switched five different career paths as a young officer in the Nigerian Air Force, and during this course, I was never promoted as compared to my course mates, as I spent 6 (six) years on the rank of a Flying Officer instead of the standard 4 (four) years.
“I was posted to the National Air Defence Corps, and my specialty was changed to Air Traffic Control and subsequently to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV); I began my UAV training in August 2016, but it was terminated as the foreign contractors were not paid according to terms.
“After several months of waiting, my specialty was again changed to the Intelligence Arm of the Air Force.
“I was nominated for the Intelligence Course after serving in Base Services Group (BSG) Lagos from November 2019 to November 2020, but it was later canceled and I was sent back to the UAV specialty.”
He told the court that the bitter experiences he was subjected to caused him “severe emotional distress, feelings of victimization, and a lack of sense of direction.”
The Claimant insisted that the ordeal adversely affected his mental well-being, saying he was traumatized.
“It was for these reasons and the enduring depression and trauma that I voluntarily resigned and disengaged from the Nigerian Air Force,” he added.
According to the Claimant, after his letter for voluntary resignation was received, the authorities of the NAF subjected him to a series of interviews and counselling.
He stated that his Commander and the disposal officers who conducted the interviews and counselling sessions supported his decision and recommended that he should be allowed to disengage from service.
However, he told the court that despite the recommendations, the then Chief of Air Staff rejected his letter of disengagement, insisting that he must serve at least 15 years before he could be eligible to voluntarily resign.
The Claimant told the court that the Air Force boss, basing his decision on provisions of the HTACOS, ordered his immediate arrest.
He argued that as a public servant, he had the constitutional right to voluntarily resign from service.
Challenging the action, the Claimant contended that the said HTACOS was not only a breach of section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, but equally negated various subsisting court judgements.
Delivering his judgement in the matter on Tuesday, Justice Subilim faulted the decision of Air Force authorities, saying it was akin to forcing soldiers into “modern day slavery under the guise of national service.”
Declaring that members of the Armed Forces have the statutory right to retire or resign voluntarily, the court struck down the 15-year compulsory service requirement provided by the HTACOS.
It dismissed the NAF’s argument that the Claimant’s letter had “voluntary retirement” as its caption instead of “resignation.”
The court held that what was of utmost importance was the substance of the letter and not its form, adding that the word “resignation” as used in Section 306 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, must be given a liberal and wider interpretation and not a restrictive interpretation, in line with decisions of the Supreme Court on principles governing the interpretation of the Constitution.
Consequently, the court granted the Claimant’s reliefs and declared his resignation from the NAF as valid and effective from the date his letter was received.
The court equally issued an order of perpetual injunction, restraining the Chief of Air Staff and the NAF, who were the 1st and 2nd defendants in the matter, from arresting or detaining the Claimant or compelling him to continue in military service.
Several lucky Nigerians on Monday received huge cash prizes in Globacom’s Jolly Product Cash Award presentation ceremonies held simultaneously in different cities across the country. The events featured winners from different categories, Jolly Life lottery, Jolly Wheel, Jolly Win, and Jolly Trivia.
The star prize of ₦1 million went to Sunday Efenure, a 69-year-old technician from Edo State who won through the Jolly Wheel promo. Efenure who received his cheque in Lagos confessed that he almost ignored the news of his win, fearing it was a scam. “With the rate of scams in the country, I didn’t believe it at first. My wife encouraged me, and I even sent my son to verify before I decided to attend. I thank Glo for this life-changing gift,” he said.
Also smiling home with ₦500,000 each were Taiwo Oni, a 39-year-old Ibadan resident who won in the Jolly Life promo in Ibadan, Oyo State, and Esther Clifford in Abuja who was rewarded under Jolly Win. Taiwo’s twin brother, Kehinde, captured the mood when he exclaimed in Yoruba, “E chop am o!” in celebration of his brother’s fortune which also prompted him to purchase a Glo sim for himself to play the Jolly games with the aim of winning as well.
In Warri, Delta State, Christopher Onajobhe received ₦200,000 won in the Jolly Win category, while Denem Usman Maji from Nasarawa, Godwin Udanna from Onitsha, Anambra State, and Ijeoma Anogwa from Enugu each won cash prizes ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 in the Jolly Wheel category.
Addressing the winners in Lagos, Mr. Mojeed Aluko of Globacom’s Value Added Services (VAS) Department congratulated them and urged other subscribers to continue participating in the Jolly promos Nigerians to participate in the Jolly promos by dialling *13199# on their Glo lines and following the menu prompt to join the list of winners, describing them as avenues to combine entertainment with empowerment.
Globacom’s partner on the project, Tetragrammaton International, represented by Tolulope Aminu, also commended the winners and encouraged Glo subscribers to “keep playing and spreading the word so others can benefit too.”
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced a 50 per cent discount on fares for the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Blue Line to mark its second anniversary, effective Thursday, September 4, 2025.
The governor, in a statement ato residents via his official X handle on Wednesday, highlighted the successes of the Blue Line since its launch two years ago, disclosing that the rail system has transported more than five million passengers without a single accident.
He said: “Dear Lagosians, two years ago, we took a bold step with the launch of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line. Today, as I look back on how far we have come, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude.
“In these two years, the Blue Line has carried more than five million passengers safely, without a single accident. Trains now run every ten minutes, making over 90 trips each day. Journeys that once took much longer have become faster and easier.”
He noted that the milestone reflects the state’s commitment to building transport infrastructure that delivers value to residents.
According to him, the project has eased commuting challenges and demonstrated the power of collective trust and dedication.
“These achievements show that when we work with dedication and purpose, we can build systems that truly serve the people,” he added.
Sanwo-Olu expressed appreciation to Lagosians for their support, describing the Blue Line as “a project that belongs to all of us.”
He said the anniversary discount was designed to encourage more residents to experience the modern rail service.
“To mark this second anniversary, I am pleased to announce a 50 per cent reduction in fares on the Blue Line for tomorrow, Thursday, September 4, 2025. If you have not yet experienced the Blue Line, I encourage you to take a ride and see what we have built together,” the governor stated.
Looking ahead, Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to improve mobility in the city through safer, faster, and more efficient transport systems.
“Our journey is far from over. Step by step, we are creating the Lagos we all desire, building a city where moving around is easier, safer, and faster. Together, we are shaping the Lagos of our future,” he said.
The Blue Line, launched in September 2023, is the first of several rail projects envisioned under the state’s integrated mass transit strategy, designed to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity in Africa’s most populous city.
The National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) has expressed deep regrets over the passing of a former Inspector-General of Police and Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Solomon Arase, who died on August 31, 2025 at the age of 69.
Referencing the 18th indigenous IGP, who climbed to the zenith of his career as the IGP, as well as becoming the PSC chairman, over a period of 35 years meritorious service, the Association in a statement issued and signed by the Public Relations Officer, Mr Eric Elezuo, quoted the its president, Oki Samson, as saying that Arase would be remembered for his friendly disposition to the media, and ability to rise in support when occasion calls.
“It is with deep regret that we the members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) mourn the demise of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished police officers, IGP Solomon Arase (retd), whose death event occurred on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
“Arase, as we know him, proved himself both in the field of policing and administration as well as intelligence. His avalanche of credible performances include his fatherly association and friendliness with members of the media, of which we, as an Association, benefitted immensely from. For this we are grateful, and honour his memory.
“His contributions and unwavering support to NAOSNP, especially as regards our flagship annual security conference and awards are overwhelming, and cannot be overemphasized. He was a guiding light to many of us who have crossed his path.
“Arase is reputed by not a few among many other loud applause, as a gallant and brilliant cop with undiluted acumen in crime detection and eradication, a true patriot and accomplished family man. His knack for end to all forms of crime set him apart among peers and contemporaries.
“With a heavy heart, we therefore, join all Nigerians, the Police hierarchy, members of his family, colleagues and well wishers to ask the good Lord, whom he also served sincerely, to grant his soul eternal rest in peace,” the statement read.
According to a Force headquarters statement, “IGP Solomon Arase, born on the 21st of June, 1956, in Owan West Local Government of Edo State, attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned his first degree in Political science. He later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Benin, a Master’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos and a Ph.D in Public Law from the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Edo State. He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 1st of December, 1981.
”During the course of his illustrious Policing career, IGP Arase served in various capacities including Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to three IGPs between 2002 – 2008, Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, pioneer Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and DIG Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) respectively. He was appointed the 18th indigenous Inspector-General of Police in April 2015 and retired on the 21st of June 2016. He was thereafter appointed the Chairman Police Service Commission on the 24th January, 2023 by Late President Muhammadu Buhari, a post which he held until the 10th of June, 2024. He is also a Fellow of the Defence College and a member of the prestigious Body of Benchers.
“During his tenure as the Inspector-General of Police, he introduced major initiatives for the reform and improvement of the Force, such as the Complaint Response Unit for swift responses to public complaints and adequate protection of citizens rights.IGP Arase exemplified the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and leadership, while his contributions to national security and police reform continue to resonate within the Force and beyond. His passing is not just the culmination of a remarkable chapter but a moment of collective mourning of a man who served with pride and honour.
“Through the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF), he supported academic excellence by awarding scholarships to outstanding Nigerian students, with particular focus on children of deceased police officers and indigent students. ”
May his soul rest in peace!
