Nigeria, May 22 -- The Nigerian Army shut down a popular shopping complex in Abuja without consulting civil authorities, PREMIUM TIMES can report.

This newspaper reported how the army on Tuesday announced the shutdown of Banex Plaza in the Wuse area of Abuja. The army said it shut down the plaza after discussions with the plaza's management following the assault on two soldiers on the premises on Saturday.

Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu said the shutdown was to allow for an investigation of the assault.

Concerns have been raised about the legality of the army's actions and the announcement in a democratic society with a human rights lawyer describing it as a violation of "the rule of law."

PREMIUM TIMES can now confirm that the ar...