Naval Personnel Shoots Man Dead At Checkpoint In Abia

A man identified as Major Nwogu was shot dead by a naval personnel at a checkpoint in Abia State. While eyewitnesses allege he was killed for refusing to stop his motorcycle, the Navy claims he was shot during a struggle while being apprehended for a reported tricycle theft.

According to eyewitnesses, Mr. Nwogu was riding his motorcycle through the checkpoint when he was flagged down by the naval personnel. He allegedly refused to stop, prompting one of the personnel to shoot him in the back. He reportedly died on the scene despite efforts to take him to the hospital.

The Nigerian Navy, however, claim Mr. Nwogu was invited for questioning related to a tricycle theft case and was shot during a struggle with a naval personnel’s rifle. They maintained that efforts were made to take him to the hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Adding to the controversy, motorcycle riders in the area reported being routinely humiliated by naval personnel at the checkpoint, forced to dismount and walk past a barricade before continuing their journey.

The Director of Naval Information, Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan, who said he confirmed the incident from the Commandant, Naval School of Administration and Finance,Owerri- Nta, Abia State, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Mr. Nwogu’s death.

“On Thursday 15 February, 2024,at about 04:50 pm, a case theft of a tricycle was reported. Mr Majo was invited for questioning by own personnel deployed at Umukpeyi-Nvosi, Abia state checkpoint. In the course of apprehending him, there was an altercation and while struggling with the rifle of the personnel a round was released.

“Immediately, efforts were made to evacuate him to a hospital where he was reported dead on arrival. The personnel is a rating of Nigerian Navy College of Accounts and Finance Owerri-Nta deployed on internal security duties at the checkpoint which is part of own aid to civil authority in Abia state.

“The general public is requested to note that investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances that led to the unfortunate incident.”

While the investigation is ongoing, Mr. Nwogu’s family and community members are demanding justice. They question the Navy’s account of events and express outrage over the alleged use of excessive force.