- NHRC confirms Danladi is alive but still in DSS custody since 2021
- Lawyer says charges were filed in April but no court hearing held
- House of Reps demands answers from DSS, Army, AGF over prolonged detention
A fresh spotlight has been cast on the prolonged detention of youth leader, Ntari Danladi Hassan, with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) formally querying the Department of State Services (DSS).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the NHRC sent a letter to the DSS on June 20, asking for clarity on Danladi’s whereabouts and legal status after reports surfaced of his alleged disappearance.
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Confirming the correspondence, NHRC official Faith Ikenwe said the DSS acknowledged holding Danladi and confirmed he is alive.
Danladi’s lawyer, Pius Danba Pius, revealed that a terrorism charge was filed against his client on April 25, but no court hearing has taken place since.
The lawyer described the situation as a blatant disregard for constitutional rights and judicial process.
Earlier reports indicate that the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions had also summoned the DSS, Nigerian Army, and Attorney General over the matter.
Danladi, a former youth president of the Mumuye Cultural Development Association, was arrested in 2021 in Jalingo, Taraba State.
His arrest reportedly took place at the youth wing office of the association, with no formal charges filed until 2025.
The DSS claimed that Danladi was found at an alleged IPOB training camp in Abia State, undergoing weapon drills.
The agency justified the detention by citing terrorism laws and valid court orders allowing it to hold Danladi throughout the investigation.
Despite this, the House Committee insists that prolonged detention without trial breaches Sections 88 and 89(C) of the Nigerian Constitution.
In a formal summons, the Committee ordered all parties to submit briefs and appear in person on July 31, following a previous postponement due to the death of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari.
The DSS has warned that its communication on the matter is classified and unauthorised disclosure could trigger legal action.
Danladi’s lawyer said the new three-count charge filed in 2025 is the first since his client’s arrest four years ago.
The NHRC and the House Committee continue to press for transparency, due process, and respect for the rule of law.
