A business transaction turned into a nightmare for Mr. Komolafe David, an electronics supplier in Abuja, Nigeria. What began as a routine delivery quickly escalated into a web of alleged criminality, intimidation, and abuse of power. Chronicles Reporters has obtained a petition from Mr. David’s solicitors, detailing how a Nigerian Air Force officer, Officer Bilikisu Suleiman, allegedly unlawfully detained, extorted, and mistreated him and his employees following a disputed payment for two plasma TVs worth N2.9 million.
This investigative report dives into the heart of the incident, presenting eyewitness accounts, the chronology of events, and highlighting broader implications for accountability within Nigeria’s military forces.
Background: The Incident Unfolds
On September 7, 2024, Mr. Komolafe David received a call from an agent connecting him to a prospective client: Officer Bilikisu Suleiman. She expressed interest in purchasing two plasma TVs—65 and 55 inches, respectively—valued at a combined N2.9 million. According to the petition, Suleiman stipulated “payment on delivery,” a request Mr. David complied with, expecting the transaction to proceed smoothly.
Arriving at the NAF Valley Estate, Abuja, with his employees, Mr. David delivered the televisions and requested payment. But events took a baffling turn when Officer Suleiman claimed she had already transferred a partial payment of N1.1 million—into an account not belonging to Mr. David.
A Case of ‘Mistaken’ Payment or a Deliberate Setup?
Officer Suleiman’s account raises questions. The officer reportedly stated she had transferred the sum to an individual she’d been communicating with online, whom Mr. David neither knew nor authorized. This ‘online dealer,’ according to Suleiman, offered her a “promo” rate and quickly vanished after the payment, blocking all further communication. Her rationale, as recounted in the petition, was to force Mr. David to install the televisions as “payment had already been made.”
When Mr. David refused, explaining that the alleged N1.1 million transaction was not his responsibility, Officer Suleiman allegedly resorted to intimidation. In an exchange described in the petition, she threatened Mr. David and his employees with detention if they did not comply with her demands.
Detention and Alleged Abuse of Power
What followed paints a disturbing picture of abuse. According to the petition, Officer Suleiman ordered that Mr. David and his employees be detained on her premises before transferring them to Abacha Barracks under military custody. Here, the situation allegedly worsened: the petition claims they were beaten, denied food, and held incommunicado—despite Mr. David’s reported health condition (ulcer), which required regular meals.
Chronicles Reporters contacted sources at Abacha Barracks who, while declining to go on record, suggested that visitors were indeed restricted from seeing detainees that weekend, allegedly under the instruction of Officer Suleiman. Family members and legal representatives, barred from contacting or assisting Mr. David, reportedly observed a “strict adherence to orders,” which, according to the petition, is “not in line with the Nigerian Army’s standards of conduct.”
The Missing Assets and Extortion Claims
In addition to the alleged maltreatment, Mr. David’s vehicle remains impounded, the plasma televisions is unreturned and 700,000 was forceful collected from detainees by Officer Bilikisu Suleiman. She demanded the car keys in exchange for “release on bail,” only to retain both the keys and the supplier in custody—a move the petition labels as outright extortion. This unauthorized seizure raises questions about motive and misuse of authority, compounded by the fact that the televisions, central to the transaction, are still in her possession.
Legal Perspective and Implications
Legal experts consulted by Chronicles Reporters stressed that the officer’s actions, as presented in the petition, could constitute criminal intimidation, illegal detention, and extortion. According to Nigerian law, individuals should not be detained without access to legal representation or family, and property seizure without due process is strictly prohibited.
The petition underscores a broader issue: if substantiated, this case exposes a troubling trend of impunity among some members of the Nigerian military. Lawyer Andrew Ojo remarked, “Such actions, if overlooked, threaten the public’s confidence in institutions meant to uphold justice, creating a dangerous precedent.”
The Need for a Thorough Investigation
The petition’s final plea is addressed to Nigerian military authorities, urging a thorough, transparent investigation into Officer Suleiman’s conduct. The document expresses faith that “the Nigerian Army’s commitment to justice and accountability” will prevail, requesting swift actions to safeguard both the rights of citizens and the Army’s reputation.
As of this report, Chronicles Reporters has reached out to Officer Bilikisu Suleiman via phone calls/text for comment. While awaiting her response, Mr. David’s ordeal shines a light on the persistent calls for reform and accountability within Nigeria’s armed forces—a reminder of the delicate balance between authority and justice.
Mr. David’s case is a stark reminder of the risks faced by everyday Nigerians who, in the course of conducting honest business, may find themselves victims of abuse by those entrusted to protect them. Chronicles Reporters will continue monitoring developments, advocating for transparent proceedings, and holding power accountable as the investigation unfolds. This case serves as a call for the Nigerian military to reaffirm its commitment to justice and the rule of law.
Call to Action
We encourage any witnesses or individuals with additional information on this matter to reach out to Chronicles Reporters. Together, we strive to bring accountability to all sectors of society.
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