A High Court Criminal Judge yesterday ordered the Antigua Barbuda Defence Force hierarchy to execute a disciplinary hearing within 24 hours or face sanctions for failing to comply.

The ABDF alleges that Private Soldier Claudian Chapman had been absent without leave (AWOL) since October 2024. On May 16, 2025, Chapman was taken into custody, brought to Camp Blizard, and placed in the on-base prison, where he has been kept ever since.

On May 23, 2025, Chapman filed a writ of Habeas Corpus in the High Court, alleging that the ABDF held him in detention unlawfully and that he should be released pending his disciplinary hearing.

The matter came up for hearing at the High Court on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, but the ABDF was not prepared to argue its position, resulting in the matter being rescheduled to yesterday.

During yesterday’s hearing, the ABDF argued that it held Chapman in custody out of fear that he would abscond. However, the ABDF said it was ready to proceed with internal adjudication without further delay, and Chapman stated that he was prepared to defend the allegations against him.

That being the case, the Judge ordered that the matter be heard within 24 hours.

We understand that the internal trial is set for 8:00 AM today, where, if found guilty, Chapman could face up to three months in prison, a fine, or dismissal from the ABDF.