Parents of 67 cadets withdrawn by the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) have called on President Bola Tinubu and military authorities to immediately enforce court rulings ordering the reinstatement of their children, who were dismissed despite completing their training and passing out in 2019.
The affected cadets, members of the NDA’s 67 Regular Course, were dismissed shortly after their graduation in October 2019, allegedly over minor disciplinary offenses. However, a Federal High Court in Kaduna ruled on May 18, 2023, that their dismissal was unlawful and directed the NDA to reinstate them with full benefits. The Court of Appeal upheld this ruling on March 20, 2025, affirming that the cadets are entitled to their degree certificates, back pay, and official recognition as graduates of the academy.
At a press conference held in Abuja, the aggrieved parents — including Mr. Adebayo Onaivi, Mr. Daniel Chijoke Obioha, Mrs. Margaret Salisu, and Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Daura (the Maradin Daura of Katsina State) — made an emotional appeal to the President, the Senate President, the Minister of Defence, and the Chief of Defence Staff to ensure compliance with the court judgments.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Onaivi expressed deep frustration that, despite clear court victories, the NDA has continued to defy the rulings.
“We went to the National Assembly, we went to the Federal High Court — we won. The NDA appealed, and the appeal was dismissed for lacking merit. Yet, till now, they have refused to obey the court. This is not only disobedience; it is injustice,” he said.
He criticized the NDA for discarding trained personnel at a time of worsening national security.
“These children were trained for four years, only to be abandoned over issues they were already punished for before the Passing Out Parade. If terrorists can be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, why can’t these cadets be reinstated?” he asked.
Onaivi warned of the security risk of leaving such trained individuals unemployed and angry.
“Do we want our children to end up in the hands of criminals or become a threat to society? These are disciplined, military-trained youths who want to serve their country.”
He further revealed that the NDA once offered to release only their certificates if the cadets agreed to withdraw the case — a deal the cadets rejected.
“They are not just fighting for paper. They want what is rightfully theirs — full reinstatement and recognition. They deserve justice, not token settlements,” he said.
The parents urged the federal government to act swiftly and prevent a growing crisis.
“We appeal to President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and all relevant authorities to resolve this issue once and for all. These cadets are not criminals; they are victims of institutional injustice.”
They vowed to pursue every legal and diplomatic means to ensure their children’s rights are restored and the NDA is held accountable for its actions.
