BY Haleem Olatunji
The Nigerian army has identified Ajayi Johnson, a lance corporal, as the soldier who killed Chimaobi Nwogu, a commercial motorcyclist in Abia state, earlier in the week.
The commercial motorcyclist was shot dead at a military checkpoint at Ohanze, Obingwa local government area of the state.
A witness had said Nwogu was killed because he refused to give N100 to somebody allegedly stationed to collect tips on behalf of soldiers.
In a series of tweets on Saturday, the army said Johnson, who is currently in detention, would be tried in line with existing military laws and dismissed, if found guilty.
“The soldier has since been arrested and detained. Disciplinary procedure is in progress. He will be tried according to extant military law and if found culpable will be dismissed and handed over to the Civil Police for prosecution,” it tweeted.
“Further investigation on the incident revealed that Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson one of the soldiers deployed at Forward Operations Base Ohanze for security duty absconded his duty location to an unknown destination and was reported to have been involved in a scuffle that led to the shooting and killing of the Okada rider Mr Chimaobi on Wednesday 7 August 2019.
“The soldier was casually dressed in camouflage T – shirt which led to the initial suspected identity of the culprit as a cultist.
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this unfortunate incident and pray for the repose of the soul of the deceased, We also pray that the almighty God will strengthen his family, loved ones and the entire Abians for this irreparable loss.”
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