A retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General A.A. Tarfa (retd.), has been accused of masterminding a brutal attack on a young barber, Muhammed Tahir Adam, in Kaduna State.
In a petition dated July 17, 2025, and addressed to the Chief of Army Staff, a legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Adamu Kabiru Adamu, alleged that five soldiers acting on Tarfa’s instructions attacked Muhammed with the intent to kill.
The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30pm on July 14, when Muhammed went to buy foodstuffs for his father at the Legislative Quarters in Kawo New Extension, Kaduna.
The petition claimed the soldiers beat the victim severely, leaving him with life-threatening injuries. “They beat him black and blue while boasting that nothing would happen to them because the Retired Major General Tarfa is aware,” the lawyer stated.
The victim, who was abandoned at the scene, was later rescued by good Samaritans and rushed to a nearby clinic, where he is said to be undergoing surgery.
Describing the incident as a threat to life, conspiracy and abuse of military authority, the petitioner urged the Chief of Army Staff to order an immediate investigation and recall the soldiers involved.
The petition also demanded that Major General Tarfa be questioned for allegedly using armed soldiers to settle personal scores.
Other demands include protection for the victim, disciplinary action against the suspects and a public statement by the Army condemning the act.
The petition was copied to the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna; the Chairmen, Senate Committee on National Security & Intelligence and House Committee on Human Rights; and the National Human Rights Commission.
As of press time, the Nigerian Army had yet to react to the allegations.
17th July, 2025
The Chief of Army Staff,
Nigerian Army Headquarters,
Area 10, Garki,
Abuja, FCT, Nigeria.
Dear Sir,
PETITION FOR THREAT TO LIFE, CONSPIRACY, BODILY HARM, UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT OF MILITARY ETHICS AND ABUSE OF MILITARY AUTHORITY AGAINST ONE RETIRED MAJOR GENERAL A.A. TARFA, HASSAN, S. KILLER AND THREE OTHERS AND A CALL FOR URGENT INTERVENTION
I write as a Legal Practitioner and Human Rights Activist with deep concern and utmost urgency to formally bring to your attention a deeply disturbing and unlawful act of brutality, conspiracy, and abuse of military authority perpetrated by five soldiers acting under the direct instruction of Retired Major General A.A. Tarfa, of Ahmed Baba Ibrahim Road, Legislative Quarters, Kawo New Extension, Kaduna State, who is alleged to have instructed five armed soldiers under his influence to carry out a deadly attack on one Mr. Muhammed Tahir Adam of No. 14 Salahawa Street, Kawo New Extension Kaduna, Kaduna State with the intent to kill.
The crux of our petition is that on 14th July, 2025 at about 8:30pm, Mr. Muhammed, a young barber, went out on an errand to buy foodstuffs for his father at Legislative Quarters. While on this peaceful and lawful errand, he was viciously attacked by the five soldiers who claimed they were acting on the orders of Retired Major General A.A. Tarfa. They beat him black and blue, inflicting severe physical and internal injuries, while boasting that nothing would happen to them because “the Retired Major General A.A. Tarfa is aware.”
After the soldiers abandoned Mr. Muhammed at the scene in critical condition, it took the intervention of good Samaritans to transport him to a nearby clinic, where he is currently receiving surgical treatment for the injuries sustained.
This inhumane act of assault, conspiracy, and threat to life is unacceptable in any civilized society, and even more shameful when committed by men in military uniform. It is a direct violation of the laws of Nigeria, military discipline, and all principles of human rights and justice.
This disturbing act, allegedly orchestrated by a retired senior officer of the Nigerian Army, not only undermines the ethics, professionalism, and values of the Nigerian Armed Forces, but also constitutes a grave threat to human life, civil peace, and the integrity of the military institution. It is appalling and unacceptable that a retired officer—who is expected to be a custodian of discipline and leadership—would abuse military influence and resources to intimidate, harass, and attempt extrajudicial harm on a civilian.
We strongly believe that this behaviour contravenes both military regulations and national laws, and must not be ignored or allowed to set a dangerous precedent.
WHEREOF, in light of the foregoing coupled with the belief we have in the expertise of Nigerian Armed Forces, we humbly crave your indulgence to use your most revered office to do the following:
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Immediate investigation into the actions of Retired Major General A.A. Tarfa and the five soldiers involved.
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That all soldiers identified be recalled and subjected to appropriate disciplinary and legal actions.
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That Retired Major General A.A. Tarfa be interrogated for sponsoring this act of brutality, using his influence to carry out personal vengeance.
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That Mr. Muhammed be provided protection and access to justice, including a proper medical report from a military-approved facility.
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That the Army reaffirm its zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, even by retired personnel, and issue a public condemnation of this act.
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Urgent intervention by the Chief of Army Staff and GOC 1 Division Kaduna to forestall further threats or possible harm to Mr. Muhammed Tahir Adam and any other civilians.
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That the Army leadership publicly distances itself from this act and affirms its commitment to professional conduct and protection of civilians.
We also appeal to the Nigerian Army to ensure that justice is served and that no retired or serving officer misuses military personnel or authority for private vendettas or personal interest.
This petition is made in good faith, in defence of the rights and safety of all Nigerians, and to protect the reputation of our noble Armed Forces.
We trust in your esteemed office’s commitment to justice and look forward to your swift intervention and timely positive response. Sir, please accept the assurances of our most esteemed regards.
Yours faithfully,
Adamu Kabiru Adamu Esq.
Legal Practitioner and Human Rights Advocate
CC:
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The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Kaduna State.
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The Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security & Intelligence, National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.
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The Chairman, House Committee on Human Rights, National Assembly Complex, Three Arms Zone, Abuja.
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National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), No. 19 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja.
