Lagos Police confirm arrest of soldier for allegedly stabbing motorcyclist

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a Nigerian Army lance corporal, stationed with the 159 Battalion in Yobe, for allegedly stabbing a commercial motorcyclist in the abdomen.

SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Command’s spokesperson, verified the arrest on Monday, revealing that the soldier was apprehended in the early hours of Saturday in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

According to Hundeyin, the Ikorodu Police Division received a report from a Chief Security Officer (CSO) of a lounge detailing the incident. The CSO alleged that around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, the suspect, whose name was withheld, engaged in a confrontation with Saheed Isa, a commercial motorcyclist, using a gun-like Jack Knife.

The altercation reportedly stemmed from an undisclosed disagreement between the soldier and the motorcyclist at a local bar.

As a result of the attack, Isa sustained severe and life-threatening injuries to his abdomen.

Detectives from the division promptly visited the scene of the crime, while the victim was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Currently admitted, Isa is said to be responding positively to treatment.

Hundeyin confirmed the arrest of the soldier and the retrieval of the exhibit knife used in the attack. He assured that investigations are on.

He said the attack caused grievous and life-threatening injuries to the motorcyclist.

“The scene of crime was visited by detectives of the division and the victim was taken to the hospital for medical attention, where he was currently admitted and is responding to treatment.

“The suspect has been arrested with the exhibit knife. Investigation is ongoing,” he said.

Meanwhile, Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, has directed an investigation of soldiers allegedly involved in torturing Achimugu Etubi, a hotel manager, to death in Abia.

Some personnel of the Nigerian Army were said to have tortured Etubi to death in the south-east state after Emmanuel Onyemereche, an air force cadet, reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Onyema Nwachukwu, director of public relations, said the army is “deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct” of its personnel in the “tragic death” of a hotel manager.

Nwachukwu, a Major General, said Lagbaja has “promptly” ordered a “comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable.”

“The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager, Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer, Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assures the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served,” the statement read.

“The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions.

“Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.”

Nwachukwu said the army is “resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed of the conclusion of the investigation.”