The National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja has declared unconstitutional the long-standing policy that compels military personnel to serve for a minimum of 15 years before being allowed to resign.
The ruling was delivered on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, by Justice Emmanuel D. Subilim in Suit No: NICN/ABJ/25/2025, filed by fiery Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, on behalf of his client, Flight Lieutenant J. A. Akerele.
The court held that officers of the Nigerian military cannot be forced into “modern-day slavery under the guise of national service,” insisting that members of the Armed Forces have the constitutional right to resign at any time.
The case had the Chief of Air Staff and the Nigerian Air Force joined as 1st and 2nd defendants.
Justice Subilim ruled that the military’s insistence on a 15-year compulsory service period is not only oppressive but also violates the constitutional rights of personnel.
