Army announces arrests of soldier who allegedly killed motorcyclist over N100 bribe

The Nigerian Army on Saturday announced that a soldier that killed a commercial bike (okada) rider in Abia State few days ago has been arrested.

A statement by the spokesperson for the 82 Division, Aliyu Yusuf said the soldier was identified as Ajayi Johnson.

He allegedly fatally shot Chimaobi Nwaogu of Umuokereke-Ngwa, Obingwa Local Government Area, on Wednesday.

It was gathered that Mr Johnson, a lance corporal, was said to be away without official leave when the incident occurred near a military base in Ohanze community.

Witnesses accused the soldier of opening fire after Mr Nwaogu allegedly failed to pay a N100 bribe at the military checkpoint.

Read also: BUK expels 24 final year students for alleged falsification of results

The development angered Nigerians, being the latest in a string of frequent attacks by soldiers on civilians or other security agents.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu visited the Abia community on Friday and promised residents that justice would be served in the matter.

“The death of this young man is extremely painful and cannot go in vain,” the governor told the residents. “This is my position and this is the position of the government and people of Abia State.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now