A legal battle has commenced against the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army over the widespread deployment of military checkpoints across Nigeria’s South-East region.
The suit, filed by Chinedu Agbodike at the Enugu State High Court on June 17, 2026, challenges what he described as the indiscriminate proliferation of military checkpoints and roadblocks in the five South-East states of Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, and Abia.
Agbodike instituted the case on behalf of himself and other residents of the region, alleging that the military presence has led to harassment, extortion, arbitrary arrests, and violations of citizens’ fundamental rights.
The legal team representing the applicant includes Aloy Ejimakor, P.N. Agazie, B.C. Anys, B.K. Agazie, Chinwe Agazie, Eguzoribe Ozioma, E.C. Eze, and Iloanya Florence.
Named as respondents in the suit are the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government.
Demands Before the Court
The applicant is asking the court to declare that the extensive deployment of military checkpoints and roadblocks across the South-East is unconstitutional and infringes on the rights of citizens.
According to the suit, the military operations have allegedly resulted in widespread violations of fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, personal liberty, human dignity, and protection from discrimination.
The applicant further argues that the routine use of soldiers for checkpoint duties amounts to an unlawful assumption of internal security responsibilities that are constitutionally assigned to the Nigeria Police Force under Section 214 of the 1999 Constitution.
The suit contends that the military’s involvement in regular policing activities represents an abuse of power and a violation of the constitutional rights of residents of the South-East.
Allegations of Discrimination
Agbodike also alleges that military personnel operating checkpoints in the region frequently profile and target individuals based on factors such as ethnicity, age, hairstyle, mode of dressing, tattoos, language, physical appearance, and perceived affiliations.
He argues that such practices are discriminatory, unconstitutional, and contrary to Section 42 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom from discrimination.
Call for Removal of Checkpoints
Among the reliefs sought, the applicant is requesting a court order directing the military authorities and the Attorney-General of the Federation to immediately dismantle and discontinue all routine military checkpoints and roadblocks operating on federal and state roads in the South-East.
The application, however, acknowledges that military deployments may continue where specifically authorized by law or justified by exceptional security circumstances.
Demand for Investigation and Compensation
The suit also seeks an order compelling the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to establish an independent panel to investigate alleged human rights abuses committed by military personnel at checkpoints across the region.
In addition, Agbodike is demanding N500 billion in exemplary, aggravated, and general damages, arguing that citizens of the South-East have suffered continuous and widespread violations of their constitutional rights due to the military operations.
The court is expected to determine whether the military deployments constitute legitimate security measures or an infringement on the constitutional freedoms of residents in the South-East.
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