The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released one of its personnel, Corporal A. I. Garba, who had been detained since February over his comedy videos on social media. Garba, known for his comedic skits, was released on Saturday night after spending several weeks in detention.
Confirming the release, a top source informed SaharaReporters of Garba’s freedom, stating, “Cpl Garba (NAF19) who was arrested for comedy skits a few months ago was released this night.”
Garba’s detention had sparked concerns, with reports indicating that he had been held in an underground cell in Abuja since his arrest in February. Family members had expressed distress over his prolonged detention, citing his medical condition as unsuitable for incarceration.
“It’s been over six weeks now that he has been in detention in Abuja. We were not granted access to him, and he is medically unfit to be in detention because of his health record,” a relative disclosed to SaharaReporters on March 29.
Garba’s arrest stemmed from alleged violations of the Nigerian Air Force’s social media policy, as outlined in a signal dated February 13. Following this, he was summoned for interrogation by the appropriate authorities.
His detention drew comparisons to another incident involving a Nigerian soldier stationed in Maiduguri, Borno State, who lamented his inability to visit his family due to financial constraints. The soldier’s viral video highlighted the challenges faced by military personnel, including insufficient salaries and difficult working conditions.
In the video, the soldier expressed frustration over the high cost of transportation, which exceeded his monthly salary. Despite being granted leave to visit his family, he was unable to afford the trip and reluctantly returned to duty.
The soldier’s plight underscored broader issues within the Nigerian Armed Forces, including inadequate remuneration and logistical challenges faced by personnel deployed in conflict zones.
While Garba’s release brings relief to his family and supporters, it also raises questions about the enforcement of social media policies within the military and the treatment of personnel who express dissenting views or engage in creative pursuits outside their official duties.