The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has launched a probe into the prolonged detention of Ntari Danladi, a youth leader who has remained in custody for four years without being arraigned in court. To this end, the committee has summoned the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to provide explanations.
The hearing, initially fixed for July 16, has now been shifted to July 31, following the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. This postponement was confirmed by Danladi’s legal representative, Pius Danba Pius.
Danladi previously served as the National President of the Mumuye Youths. He was reportedly arrested at the youth wing office of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association, located in Mile 6, Jalingo, the capital of Taraba State.
In a formal notice, the House Committee emphasized that all summoned parties must take due cognizance of Sections 88 and 89(C) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The Committee further mandated that those involved must file one digital copy and 20 hard copies of their position papers. It warned that failure to honour the invitation might lead to the case proceeding in their absence.
In a letter dated June 14, 2025, the DSS claimed that its investigations revealed Danladi and one Joshua Njiwa had allegedly visited an IPOB camp hidden in a forest at Ozu Abam community, located in Arochukwu Local Government Area of Abia State. The agency alleged that the two men participated in military-style training and practiced handling of AK-47 rifles.
The DSS pointed out that the Federal Government had earlier, based on a court order issued on September 20, 2017, officially designated IPOB as a terrorist group. It also stated that it obtained lawful detention orders throughout the duration of its investigation, insisting that all actions taken against Danladi were in full compliance with the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Currently, Danladi is being held at a military detention centre within the Wawa Cantonment in Niger State. After nearly four years without trial, the Office of the Attorney General has now filed a fresh three-count terrorism charge against him — the first formal charges since his initial arrest in 2021.
The DSS also issued a cautionary note in its correspondence, stressing that the contents of the document are confidential, and any unauthorized disclosure could attract legal consequences.
As the case unfolds, the House Committee’s summons now requires all invited parties to appear in person before it at Room 429 (New Wing) of the House of Representatives.
A portion of the Committee’s official communication reads: “You are hereby required to note Sections 88 and 89(C) of our Constitution (as amended) and appear in person before this Committee on Wednesday, the 16th of July, 2025, at 2:00 pm or as the Committee may otherwise direct. You are also expected to submit one (1) soft copy and twenty (20) hard copies of your brief on the matter.
“Be further advised that failure to appear as directed may result in the hearing or determination of the matter in your absence.”
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