“He was arrested for receiving ransom money on behalf of kidnappers” — Nigerian Army refutes report of illegal detention of POS operator

Monday, January 6, 2025 - The Nigerian Army has refuted claims accusing the military of illegal detention and alleged mistreatment of a POS operator, Nansak Selbar on the order of one Major General Nansak Shagaya.

It was gathered that Selbar, also a school teacher was arrested at his duty post in Nyak Government Secondary School, Ajikamai in Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State on 7th November, 2024 and since then has allegedly been denied access to any legal representation nor appearance in any court of competent jurisdiction to address the alleged offence he committed.

Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division Nigerian Army, in a statement on Saturday, January 4, 2025, dismissed claims circulating on social media that the Army and Shagaya risk N100m punishment for allegedly detaining Selbar, illegally. 

The statement described such narratives as false, repulsive and misleading, adding that it should outrightly be disregarded by the public.

According to the statement, Selbar was arrested for facilitating kidnapping activities by receiving ransom money on behalf of kidnappers, sourcing for military uniforms, kits and accoutrements for bandits and other criminal elements. 

Selbar was also accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of recruiting them into the Nigerian Army.

“The attention of 3 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to an article circulating on social media alleging that Nigerian Army and Major General Nansak Shagaya risk 100 million naira for illegal detention of POS operator Nansak Selbar currently at the point of death over ill health,” the statement read,

"The repulsive article which purportedly originated from one Alex Giwa on 3 January 2025 made several spurious claims including illegal detention and critical illness of the said POS operator, Nansak Selbar. 

"The article which is being circulated by mischievous persons ostensibly to mislead the public and galvanize negative public opinion against security agencies. It is expedient to clearly state that the narratives in the article are false and should be outrightly disregarded by the public.

"To put the records straight, Mr Nansak Selbar was arrested for facilitating kidnapping activities by receiving ransom money on behalf of kidnappers. 

"In the course of investigation, it was found that the suspect was also involved in other vices inimical to national security including sourcing for military uniforms, kits and accoutrements for bandits and other criminal elements. 

"This is in addition to defrauding unsuspecting members of the public under the guise of recruiting them into the Nigerian Army. In view of his suspected involvement in activities related to terrorism, we relied upon the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022 and approached a competent court through Motion Ex-Parte and obtained an Order allowing the military to detain him and continue with the investigation, after which he would be handed over to the relevant agency for further action. 

"It is rather disturbing that the counsel to the suspect who is reasonably expected to be familiar with the TPPA 2022 chose to malign the action of obtaining an Experte Motion obviously to set the public against established institutions.

"Nothing can be further from the truth than the allegation that the suspect is in custody on the instruction of Major General Nansak Shagaya. It is imperative to point out that the suspect is not illegally detained but rather in custody in line with the provision of extant laws for investigations on activities inimical to national security. 

"It is therefore shocking that the distasteful article is being circulated by mischief makers to stir up sentiments against security agencies and attract public sympathy.

"We therefore warn crisis merchants and unscrupulous persons to desist from peddling false narratives against security agencies working tirelessly to flush out criminal elements from our society.

"We urged members of the media, especially bloggers, to take their responsibilities seriously. In today's fast-paced digital age, the power to shape narratives is at their fingertips. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Before posting stories or sharing information, they are implored to verify the facts from both parties involved. 

"The proliferation of fake and misleading news can have dire consequences, leading to disaffection, confusion, panic, and further division between security agencies and the general public.

"We want to assure the public that the 3 Division Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property within our Area of Responsibility. 

“We encourage the community to continue supporting our efforts by providing timely intelligence to combat criminal elements in our society effectively.”