The Nigerian Army detained shop owner Caleb Onyemaeachi Chidera after he responded to their invitation following a clash between soldiers and customers at New Banex Plaza in Abuja.
The army had earlier stormed the plaza, assaulting civilians as a reprisal for an altercation between military police and traders.
Despite mediation by the FCT Commissioner of Police, the army returned to arrest individuals involved in the clash, including Caleb, due to his business relationship with a trader.
According to Sahara Reporters, Caleb’s wife said that he remains in custody and has reportedly been mistreated without charges.
She added that her husband “is currently being jailed at Mambilla Barracks, Asokoro, and the army authorities did not allow any of his relatives to visit him.”
She said, “My husband called me yesterday that his name was given out to the army saying he was among those that fought them. He said he told them that he had nothing to do with the situation.
“He was later asked to come see them which he honoured and since then they kept him at Mambilla Barracks at their duty room.
“I just gave birth through a CS (surgery) and I had to find him through his live location but they didn’t let me see him. They sent me away. Last night he texted me that they tortured him so badly and broke his foot,” she added.