Chief Priest of Zaar Kingdom demands probe into Air Force officer’s death in custody

The Chief Priest of the Zaar Kingdom of Bauchi State, Mbami Iliya Sabka, has condemned the alleged unlawful detention and tragic death of Nigerian Air Force officer, Wulumba A.S., describing the incident as a national shame and a brutal violation of human dignity.

In a statement titled ‘Unlawful Detention and Death of Officer Wulumba A.S.: A Blatant Violation of Human Dignity and Zaar Heritage’, Sabka demanded an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident.

He also called for the prosecution of all those found complicit and a sweeping reform of the military’s internal disciplinary system.

“Officer Wulumba was a loyal son of the Zaar people and a dedicated serviceman. His death in custody—after arriving late to duty due to illness and being ordered into a guardroom by Group Captain Ofile—is a gross and fatal injustice,” Sabka said.

DAILY POST reports that the officer, identified by Service No. NAF 03/21103, was reportedly detained on May 4, 2025, at the Special Operations Command (SOC) in Bauchi, where he eventually died under inhumane and preventable conditions.

Wulumba, who reportedly served the Air Force with for over 20 years, was survived by a wife and four children.

According to Sabka, detaining an ailing officer for a minor disciplinary infraction, without medical attention or due process, constitutes a violation of Section 34(1)(a) of the 1999 Constitution, which protects against torture and inhuman treatment.

He also slammed the response of the Nigerian Air Force’s spokesperson in Bauchi, who, following enquires, reportedly dismissed the incident with the words, “We’re on holiday”— a comment Sabka described as callous and deeply insensitive.

“This dismissive attitude only worsens the pain of the bereaved family and taints the institution’s moral standing. Wulumba did not fall in battle.

“He died behind bars, the victim of cruelty and neglect. His blood cries out for justice, and we will not back down until that justice is served,” Sabka declared.

He urged the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Air Force Headquarters, and the presidency to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

“This is not just a Zaar issue — it’s a Nigerian tragedy. Every citizen should be alarmed. We demand answers, accountability, and a system that values life over rank,” he concluded.