The Nigerian Air Force says it has taken into custody all personnel suspected to be involved in the death of a commercial bus driver, Joseph Okpe, who allegedly died after being assaulted by a group of military officers along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos.
This was disclosed exclusively to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame.
Our correspondent had earlier reported that the 43-year-old driver died a few hours after he was allegedly assaulted by a group of the detained officers following a minor traffic incident involving their vehicle.
The incident, which occurred on May 9, reportedly saw the officers repeatedly assault Okpe, resulting in a severe head injury, according to a medical report seen by PUNCH Metro.
In an Affidavit of Facts filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama Judicial Division, and deposed to by the deceased’s brother, Innocent Okpe, Joseph was carrying out his duties as a commercial bus driver when he was accosted by Air Force personnel travelling in a Coaster bus with registration number GO 1–14AF.
Further findings from an eyewitness revealed that the damage to the military bus was valued at less than N7,000.
However, the officers allegedly demanded N100,000 as compensation.
The assault reportedly continued until passersby and fellow commercial drivers intervened and pleaded with the officers to stop.
When Okpe’s colleagues noticed the officers had become more vicious in the assault, our correspondent learnt that they raised N50,000 and allegedly paid it to the officers before they ceased the attack and continued their journey.
Okpe, who is survived by his wife and three young children, was declared dead at Charing Cross Clinic, Mushin, a few hours later, after reportedly being rejected by several other medical facilities.
Reacting to the incident in a WhatsApp message sent to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, Ejodame disclosed that the matter was under both military and civil investigation.
He stated, “The Nigerian Air Force is aware of the reported incident and is deeply saddened by the loss of life.
“Upon receiving information on the matter, the personnel suspected to be involved were immediately taken into custody, and the case is currently under investigation by the appropriate civil and military authorities.
“The NAF has also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and visited them to express sympathy and support during this difficult time.
“As investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to make further comments at this stage. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to due process, accountability and the rule of law.
“Further information will be provided as appropriate upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.”
