ABIA— The Nigeria Army today formally handed over to the Police, the soldier who murdered one Mr. Chimaobi Nwagwu, an Okada rider at Umuokereke Ngwa, in Obingwa L.G.A of Abia State.
Speaking while handing over the culprit Lance Corporal Ajayi Solomon to the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, the Brigade Commander 14 Brigade Ohafia, Brigadier General Solomon B. Kumapayi explained that in line with the military tradition, the culprit has since been reduced in rank and formally been sacked.
Kumapayi further said that they were at the Commissioner’s office to formally hand over the culprit to the Nigerian Police, adding that he will be tried in line with the Police tradition.
The Deputy Director Army Public Relations Nigerian Army 82 Division Enugu, Col. Aliyu Yusuf explained that on the August 7th 2019, Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson allegedly murdered Chimaobi Nwagwu at Umuokereke Obingwa, pointing out that the soldier was charged, tried, and dismissed and will be handed over to the Police for further investigation if found culpable.
He reiterated that the Nigerian Army will not condone any form of unprofessional action by any of its officers, assuring general public that the Nigerian Army will continue to assist in the protection of lives and properties in line with Nigerian Constitution.
Speaking earlier while taking delivery of the culprit, the Commissioner of Police Abia State Mr. Ene Okon said that the culprit, Ajayi Johnson will be formally rearrested in line with the Police tradition, explaining that there has been a good collaboration between the Military and the Police.
Mr. Okon thanked the Army for making their job easy for them by handing over the culprit to the Police and assured the general public of their resolve to carry out their investigation in a more professional manner.
It will be recalled that following the uproar over the murder of Chimaobi by the soldier who was stationed at Ohanze military checkpoint protests erupted at Ogbor Hill Area of Aba.
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led a high powered delegation, including the State Commissioner Of Police, to visit the family of Nwogu and assured that justice will be done. He also promised to ensure that the children of the deceased are educated to the highest level.
