Alleged Killing Of Driver By Soldiers: Ongoing Investigation By Army

The late driver, identified simply as Lawal, was reportedly an employee of Cedric Masters Limited, a car dealership. He was en route to deliver a new 2022 Toyota Corolla to Abuja when he was stopped at a military checkpoint in Ojodu Berger, outbound Lagos.

Men dressed in military uniforms, suspected to be soldiers, demanded Lawal’s presence at their barracks. However, they diverted to the Iyana-Ipaja tollgate area, where they purportedly shot Lawal, left his body in a bush, and fled with the new car.

Sources at the car dealership indicated that Lawal had been shot on his left side and lower abdomen.

Another driver in a Hilux van, who was ahead of Lawal on the same route, allegedly witnessed the incident. This driver reported the arrest of his colleague to the police and identified the three soldiers who stopped Lawal to higher-ranking military personnel at the 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment.

A friend of the second driver mentioned that he had been detained, although his release status remained unclear at the time of inquiry.

Conflicting reports surfaced regarding the incident. While one account indicated that the three soldiers were identified and approached by the police, another version claimed they were in the custody of Army authorities at the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja Cantonment. However, neither institution confirmed their custody status when further inquired by Vanguard.

Sources at the 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, reported that a parade of soldiers was conducted upon receiving news of the incident to ascertain who was absent. Reportedly, no soldier was missing during the parade.

Benjamin Hudenyin, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, mentioned that both the command and the 9 Brigade were investigating the case.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, announced that the division had initiated an investigation into the alleged killing.

The statement emphasized the division’s commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served, even if the suspects are identified as serving soldiers.

A group, using the hashtag #JusticeForLawal, has emerged, advocating for justice for the deceased driver. They urged the Nigerian Army not to let the matter be overlooked and called for transparency and accountability in handling the case.