Family members of CPL A.I. Garba, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airman detained over his TikTok videos, have raised concerns as he has been hospitalized due to undisclosed health issues, SaharaReporters has learned.
Garba gained notoriety on TikTok for comparing the conduct of military personnel in the United States with their counterparts in Africa, including Nigeria.
His detention followed allegations that his videos aimed to expose irregularities within the NAF.
One of his family members said they were denied access to him.
“We were not granted access to him, but we are aware that he is medically unfit to be in detention because of his health record. As I’m talking to you, his first daughter is very sick as well,” he told Sahara Reporters.
Confirming his arrest, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, stated that Garba was held for violating provisions of the Armed Forces Act.
“Let me, however, state that the NAF and, indeed, the military as a whole are guided by set rules and regulations.
“Any personnel who violates these rules and regulations or falls short of its expectations knows the consequences. Indiscipline in whatever form will not be tolerated,” he said.
Sources within the military disclosed that Garba had been transferred from a detention cell to the military hospital at Abacha Barracks in Abuja, raising concerns about his health condition.
