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Claudian Chapman, an enlisted soldier, filed a Statement of Claim in the High Court of Justice against the Attorney General and Brigadier General Telbert Benjamin, the Chief of Defence Staff.
Chapman is seeking damages for false imprisonment, breach of statutory duties under military law, and the unlawful stoppage of his salary.
According to court documents, Chapman was arrested on May 16, 2025, by Military Police for alleged absence without leave (AWOL) and placed in detention at Camp Blizard.
He remained in custody for over ten days without formal charges or investigation—a direct breach, his lawyer argues, of both the Defence Act and the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda.
Wendel Alexander stated that his client’s liberty was taken without adherence to the procedures mandated by law and detention was not only unlawful but degrading, exposing him to poor living conditions and depriving him of due process.
Chapman’s sister had earlier submitted an affidavit supporting a writ of habeas corpus, which was filed on May 22.
Despite the application, Chapman was only brought before the court on May 27, heavily guarded by soldiers and publicly paraded—a move he described as humiliating.
Even after the habeas corpus proceedings began, delays continued.
The defendants reportedly appeared unprepared at the initial hearing, leading to adjournments and further imprisonment.
Chapman claims that when he was finally brought before military authorities, he was denied the right to call witnesses or make a statement in his defense, in direct violation of the Defence Act.
Additionally, he contends that the individual who conducted his summary trial—Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Philip—acted without jurisdiction, since the Appropriate Superior Authority had no power over him.
Chapman’s attorney said that only a court-martial or unit Commanding Officer is permitted to try private soldiers under the law.
Beyond the unlawful imprisonment, Chapman alleges that his salary was stopped in October 2024 without due process.
Although he resumed duties in May, his pay has not been reinstated despite multiple reports to the chain of command.
He is now seeking full compensation for the withheld salary, damages for false imprisonment and rights violations, and a formal acknowledgment of the military’s failure to comply with statutory and constitutional requirements.
We were informed that Chapman was subjected to a random drug test on the first working day after serving the papers on the defendants. However, the results were negative, therefore favorable to Chapman.
The case is expected to be closely watched as it touches on issues of military accountability, due process, and constitutional rights in Antigua and Barbuda.
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Chapman I hope you win your case …..the army feels they can do whatever they like to its workers it’s ridiculous.
The pseudo lawyer at the ABDF will cost the government a lot.
That happens when the man at the helm doesnt know too much.
Those who believe that they are of superior knowledge uses him to HIS detriment.
The sooner he opens his eyes and sees that a law degree doesn’t qualify one as a lawyer the less headache he takes home.
When will All-And-O stop fooling his bosses and increasing governments debt????
His advice has lead to several losses against Captain Willock.
Yet he walks around d with his head in the sky as if he is the brightest bulb to have ever shun in a university lecture hall..