What we did to soldier who killed a motorcyclist in Abia —Army

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday revealed actions it has taken against the soldier that allegedly killed a motorcyclist (okada rider) in Abia State.

The motorcyclist, Chimaobi Nwaogu was recently killed at a checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, after he allegedly refused to pay a bribe of N100 to the soldier.

The army had in response to the public outcry for justice in the matter, named one Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson as the culprit.

It had said that the soldier deployed at Forward Operations Base in Ohanze for security duty absconded his duty location.

In an update on the matter, in a statement on Wednesday by Army deputy spokesman, Col Aliyu Yusuf, the army said that the soldier had been charged, tried and reduced to the rank of a private and also dismissed from service.

It went further to say that the culprit has been officially handed over to the Nigerian Police Force, Abia State Command for prosecution.

“Reference 82 Division Nigerian Army earlier press release dated 10th of August 2019 on the arrest of Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson who allegedly killed an Okada rider Mr. Chimaobi Nwaogwu at Umoukereke Ngwa community of Abia State on 7th August, 2019.

“In the press release, Headquarters 82 Division assured the general public that the arrested soldier would be tried according to extant rules and regulations of the Nigerian Army and if found wanting appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against him.

“Consequently, the Division wishes to inform the general public that the soldier was dully charged, tried and reduced to the rank of a private, subsequently dismissed from service and is hereby formally handed over to the Nigerian Police Force, Abia State Command today Wednesday the 21st of August 2019 for further necessary action.

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“The 82 Division will not condone any act of Lawlessness and unprofessional conduct from any of its personnel, and wherever that happens, decisive action will surely be taken against erring personnel. Nigerian Army will continue to assist in the protection of lives and property of all Nigerians as provided for in the constitution of the country,” the statement read.

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