PRESS STATEMENT BY TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, ABUJA CHAPTER
October 31, 2024 – Abuja, Nigeria
The Take It Back Movement, Abuja chapter, hereby issues a resounding call for justice regarding the recent, grievous abuse of power by Officer Bilikisu Suleiman of the Nigerian Air Force. In an incident that exemplifies flagrant misuse of military authority, Officer Suleiman is alleged to have unlawfully detained, extorted, and mistreated Mr. Komolafe David and his employees over a business transaction involving the purchase of two plasma televisions valued at N2.9 million.
This incident underscores the growing impunity that ordinary Nigerians suffer at the hands of some within our armed forces—those who swore to protect our rights and uphold the law. The unlawful detention, physical mistreatment, and extortion of Mr. David, alongside the seizure of his assets, represents not just a personal ordeal but a violation against every Nigerian striving for a livelihood amidst a backdrop of worsening economic hardship. This is an attack on our dignity, our economy, and our right to safety.
According to a petition filed by Mr. David’s solicitors, Officer Suleiman not only held Mr. David and his employees captive for three days but inflicted physical and emotional trauma upon them. Reports indicate that they were beaten, denied food, and kept incommunicado at Abacha Barracks. As if this blatant abuse was not enough, Officer Suleiman is accused of demanding N700,000 in exchange for Mr. David’s release while withholding his car and televisions—a despicable act that cannot be overlooked or pardoned.
We demand that the Nigeria Police and the Nigerian military act without delay to address this gross violation. We demand a transparent and thorough investigation into Officer Suleiman’s conduct. We demand the immediate return of Mr. David’s vehicle, televisions, and the N700,000 wrongfully extorted from him. It is the duty of the Nigerian military to exemplify justice, not pervert it. We refuse to allow military power to be twisted into a weapon against the people. Those within the ranks who violate the trust of the Nigerian people must be brought to justice.
The Take It Back Movement calls on all Nigerians to unite against abuse and intimidation. We stand resolute that our nation must no longer tolerate such brazen acts of oppression. We will not stand idly by while the powerful crush the weak. Nigeria’s military and police authorities must take this moment as a rallying cry for change, for the reformation of practices that allow abuse and impunity to flourish. They must demonstrate a commitment to defending citizens, upholding the rule of law, and restoring public trust.
A Call for Public Mobilization
We urge all human rights advocates, civil society organizations, legal practitioners, and concerned citizens to join us in demanding accountability and justice. This incident must be a catalyst for a nationwide mobilization against military abuse and extortion. We must collectively amplify our voices, ensuring that Mr. David’s case is not relegated to another unchecked abuse of power.
The Take It Back Movement will not relent. We stand firmly by Mr. Komolafe David and every Nigerian who has suffered from the misuse of military or police power. We call upon the leadership of the Nigerian military and police forces to immediately address this misconduct and work with us in building a society where justice, accountability, and the rule of law are more than just words.
Let it be known: We will not rest until justice is served.
Sign
Manasseh B.P
Director of mobilization north central
Take It Back Movement
