[1][2] Yohanna Madaki was born in 1941 in Ziturung Ka̠ryi, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area in Kaduna State.

Upon completing the NMS program, he enlisted as a Private in the Nigerian Army and served in various Battalions before proceeding to the Mons Cadet Officer Academy at Aldershot England.

He was engaged in many legal battles, often providing service free of charge to needy people, particularly those in the military.

He engaged in a prolonged legal battle to save former military governor of Rivers State, Major General Zamani Lekwot from execution.

[10] In this role, in May 2003 he described a trip to various countries of the campaign organisation of All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, as an act of treason.