Lagbaja orders probe of hotel manager’s death after torture by Nigerian Army

0
189

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has ordered a probe into the death of a hotel manager in Abia State, Achimugu James Etubi.

Some personnel of the Nigerian Army were said to have brutally tortured Etubi which resulted in his death.

This was after a Nigerian Air Force cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool.

The Army in a statement on Sunday by Director Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said the service was concerned about the allegations reported in the news against its men.

He added that as a result, the Chief of Army Staff directed an investigation into the incident to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Etubi.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Army is deeply concerned by the alleged unprofessional conduct of some of its personnel in the tragic death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, Abia State, as reported in some online media.

“In response to this unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable.”

While offering condolences to the families of the deceased, Onyema assured them that justice would be served in the matter.

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

“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.

“The Nigerian Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice, and we will keep the public informed about the investigation.”