The Human Rights Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the recent actions of the Nigerian Army, stating that there is no constitutional provision allowing the military to replace the role of the judiciary by shutting down businesses.
The closure of Banex Plaza following an altercation between soldiers and civilians was condemned by HURIWA, emphasizing that such actions deprive legitimate traders of their livelihoods and spread poverty.
HURIWA questioned whether the Army would provide support to affected traders and urged authorities to reject such unlawful and unconstitutional behavior. Additionally, HURIWA cautioned against allowing lawlessness to prevail within the military’s operations, warning that failure to address such actions could lead to further abuses of power.
The group highlighted previous incidents of alleged extrajudicial killings by soldiers and emphasized the importance of upholding civilian rule and constitutionalism.
HURIWA stressed that all citizens, regardless of their profession, deserve equal rights under the constitution and criticized the Army’s assertion of power to close businesses without legal authority. The Rights group called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged respect for due process and the rule of law.