Abia killer-soldier risks life in prison

TRACKING >>A Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson, serving under 14 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Abia State risks spending life behind bars if found culpable of killing a commercial motorcyclist identified as Chimaobi Nwaorgu at Amaise, Umuokereke Ngwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

It could be recalled that the spokesman of 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Aliyu Yusuf, had in an earlier Press Release claimed that the killer of late Nwaorgu was a suspected cultist in army uniform, but relations of the deceased and friends insisted that they know the killer soldier as an army officer stationed at Ohanze military outpost.

However, during the visit of the governor of the state to the deceased family, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu informed the community and the family of the victim that the soldier has been arrested and taken into custody, promising that he would make sure that justice was served on the happy trigger soldier.

In a press release to counter its earlier release, the 82 Division spokesman said further investigation on the matter revealed that the soldier that carried out the dastardly act is deployed at the Ohanze Forward Operation Base of 144 Battalion under the 14 Brigade, Ohafia.

According to the release, disciplinary action was already in progress, adding that the killer soldier would be tried according to extant law of the Nigerian army and if found culpable of the crime he is accused of committing, would be dismissed from service and handed over to the Civil Police for prosecution.

The Army while praying for the repose of the dead and for God to give the family members the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of their loved one, said the incident was regrettable.

In a related development, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji has joined other well-meaning Abians and Nigerians to condemn the killing of Mr. Chimaobi Nwaogu by Corporal Johnson, for allegedly refusing to pay N100 bribe at Ohanze military checkpoint.

Orji in a release described the action of the soldier as “tyranny of the gun by some bad eggs among security agencies paid with taxpayers money to protect lives and property of the citizens”, saying, “Such barbaric acts are not welcome in a peaceful state like Abia”.