Nigerian Army arrests soldier over killing of policeman in Lagos
The Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has arrested a soldier attached to the Ojo Cantonment Barracks, the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni said on Thursday.
According to the Army, the soldier was allegedly involved in an altercation which resulted in the death of a police officer in Lagos on Wednesday October 9.
Saka Ganiyu, a policeman, was fatally stabbed by soldiers from the Ojo Cantonment Barracks in Lagos State.
Reports indicate that the soldiers were led by an unidentified colleague who had been accosted for driving against the flow of traffic near the Volks Bus Stop on Ojo Iyana Iba Road.
Police officers on enforcement duty at Volks Bus Stop were said to have stopped the soldier—who was not wearing his uniform—while he was driving an unregistered T4 Volkswagen commercial bus against the flow of traffic.
A fight broke out between the soldier and some of his colleagues when the soldier became enraged with the police officers’ actions. Soldiers then allegedly stormed out of the Ojo Cantonment Barracks and attacked the police officers.
According to a report, Ganiyu was taken to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, where the injured inspector later passed away.
Reacting to the development, the 81 Division Nigerian Army Spokesman said,
the incident is currently being investigated as the suspected offending soldier has been captured and turned over to the Military Police for further disciplinary action and an inquiry.
Lieutenant Colonel Ayeni explained that considering the Division’s adherence to the Nigerian Army’s Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct, the occurrence is deeply disappointing. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army has consistently worked to instill confidence in the public and other security agencies by warning its soldiers not to take part in any actions that could damage the country’s reputation.
He assured the public that a comprehensive investigation will be carried out and that the proper disciplinary actions will be meted out to guarantee that justice is done in that matter.
