Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian Army to immediately release its member, Lawrance Zongo, or grant him access to his family and legal representatives following his continued detention in Plateau State.
The human rights organisation raised the alarm over Zongo’s detention since Monday, October 5, 2026, alleging that the military had denied him access to a lawyer.
In a statement, Amnesty International said the alleged denial of legal representation raised serious concerns about Zongo’s fundamental rights and the military’s adherence to the rule of law.
The organisation disclosed that soldiers prevented a lawyer from formally gaining access to Zongo on Friday, further heightening concerns about his welfare and circumstances of detention.
“The Nigerian Army is still unlawfully detaining our member in Plateau State, Lawrance Zongo, since Monday, 5 October, in utter disregard for the rule of law,” the organisation said.
Amnesty International warned that Zongo could remain in custody without being allowed to communicate with his family or consult a lawyer, describing the situation as a potential violation of his rights.
“What is happening to Lawrance shows impunity and abuse of power,” the group stated.
It maintained that any allegation against Zongo should not be used to justify holding him incommunicado or denying him access to legal representation.
“Whatever Lawrance Zongo is suspected of does not warrant detaining him incommunicado. We are deeply concerned that he is at grave risk,” the statement added.
The organisation subsequently urged the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division in Jos to take immediate action by releasing Zongo or ensuring that he could communicate with his family and meet with his lawyers.
Amnesty International’s demand adds to concerns over the protection of fundamental rights and due process in cases involving military detention in Nigeria.
