Dare Babalola
The relatives of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps, have faulted the Nigerian Army’s explanation of how he died in Dei-Dei, Abuja, insisting the official account does not reflect what truly happened.
The 24-year-old’s family maintained that he was shot by soldiers inside his residence, contrary to the military’s claim that he was hit by stray bullets during a gun battle.
Earlier, the Headquarters Guards Brigade had said the incident occurred on April 25 when troops responded to a distress call from residents over an alleged armed robbery attack.
According to the brigade’s spokesperson, Odunola Olawuyi, soldiers encountered gunfire from fleeing suspects, leading to a brief exchange during which Jamiu was reportedly caught in the crossfire.
“On getting to the scene, troops came under attack from suspected robbers who were retreating. In the ensuing exchange, Mr Jamiu was struck by crossfire,” Olawuyi stated, describing the development as unfortunate and noting that efforts were made to secure the neighbourhood.
However, in a strongly worded response issued on Monday, the family rejected the military’s narrative, describing it as inaccurate and disrespectful to the deceased.
“This statement is issued in direct response to the account released by the Nigerian military, which the family categorically rejects as false and misleading,” the family said.
They explained that Jamiu was killed in the early hours of April 25 at his home in the Shagari Quarters area of Dei-Dei while his parents were out of town.
According to the family, soldiers allegedly entered the compound around 2 a.m. and shot him through the door of his bedroom. His sister, who was in the house at the time, reportedly rushed out after hearing the gunshot but was asked by the soldiers to step outside and remain calm.
“The path of the bullet clearly indicates it was fired from outside the room through a closed door. This does not align with any claim of a gun battle,” the statement noted.
The family also challenged the assertion that there was a shootout with armed robbers, stating that no weapons were recovered and no evidence of a firefight was found at the scene.
“An exchange of gunfire implies the presence of armed opponents actively shooting. No such individuals have been identified, and no weapons were recovered,” they said.
They further alleged that the soldiers gained access to the property by climbing over the fence instead of using the gate, raising concerns about the legality of the operation.
“This was not the conduct of troops responding to an emergency in a lawful manner, but rather an unannounced and forced entry into a private residence,” the statement added.
Residents and local vigilante members, according to the family, reported hearing only a single gunshot — the one that killed Jamiu — contradicting claims of a prolonged exchange of fire.
The family also alleged that soldiers at the scene admitted the shooting was a mistake, an acknowledgment they said was made in the presence of a Divisional Police Officer.
In addition, they raised concerns about possible interference with evidence, claiming that vigilante members were directed to clean the blood at the scene.
Describing the development as troubling, the family called for clarity on key issues, including who authorised the operation, the origin of the robbery report, and why lethal force was used without proper verification.
They demanded a thorough and independent investigation, the suspension and prosecution of those involved, a retraction of the Army’s statement, and a public apology.
“The military is constitutionally mandated to protect lives. On that night, that responsibility was gravely breached,” the family said, adding, “We are not seeking revenge; we are seeking justice, truth, and accountability.”
