MURIC urges Nigerian Army to pay entitlements of 54 pardoned soldiers

They were initially sentenced to death, a punishment that was later commuted to 10 years’ imprisonment. In 2022, they were granted a presidential pardon and subsequently discharged.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has appealed to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to release the gratuities and retirement benefits of 54 soldiers who were pardoned after spending years in detention.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, MURIC called for compassionate consideration and due diligence in addressing the soldiers’ claims.

The 54 soldiers were tried by a military court about 12 years ago after reportedly demanding better weapons to confront Boko Haram insurgents. They were initially sentenced to death, a punishment that was later commuted to 10 years’ imprisonment. In 2022, they were granted a presidential pardon and subsequently discharged.

According to MURIC, the soldiers are disputing their official discharge date, which reportedly reads 2014. The affected soldiers argue that their discharge should be dated 2025, as they remained in detention until their pardon in 2022 and were only formally discharged in 2025. They are therefore seeking payment of their full entitlements.

MURIC also noted claims by the soldiers that a senior military officer who was pardoned alongside them has already received his benefits.

Explaining its involvement, the organization said it had followed the case since the soldiers were first sentenced to death, stressing that its intervention was based purely on humanitarian and human rights considerations.

“MURIC appeals to the Nigerian Army authorities to pay the entitlements of the 54 soldiers on compassionate grounds,” the statement said, adding that the affected soldiers are able-bodied men with family responsibilities.

The appeal was signed by Professor Ishaq Akintola, Founder and Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).