The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member killed by soldiers of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force in Dei-Dei, Shagari Estate, Abuja, has rejected the military's account of the incident.
Army's Initial Account
On Sunday, April 26, the Nigerian Army released a statement claiming that late Jamiu was caught in a crossfire on April 25 when troops responded to a distress call from residents reportedly under attack by armed robbers. The statement read: "Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange. In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire. Despite efforts by troops to secure the area and preserve lives, he sadly succumbed to his injuries." The Army described the situation as "fluid and highly volatile" and said the deceased's remains were handed to civil authorities at Kubwa General Hospital.
Family's Rebuttal
However, in a statement released, the family of the deceased said "physical evidence disproves an exchange of gunfire," adding that their son was killed at about 2am on Saturday when military personnel entered the estate. According to the statement, Jamiu's sister was in the house at the time, while their parents were away in Okene for a burial ceremony. "Nigerian military personnel discharged a firearm at close range through the door of Abdulsamad's room. The shot struck him in the head, killing him instantly. The trajectory of the bullet — confirmed by physical examination of the bullet hole, which runs from the room door to the wall — establishes that the shot was fired from outside the room, through a closed door."
Contradictions in the Army's Report
The family argued that an exchange of gunfire presupposes an adversary who is armed and actively firing. "No such adversary has been identified, produced, or accounted for. No weapon was recovered from the scene. No shell casings attributed to any party other than the military have been documented. The point of entry used by the military personnel was the fence, which they scaled. The remnants of fallen barbed wire at the fence remain visible and physically verifiable at the scene to this day." It added that the gate to the premises was intact and not damaged at the time of the incident, noting that no robbery was also reported in the community on that night.
Sister's Account
The family said Jamiu's sister, upon hearing the gunshot, rushed downstairs but was told by the soldiers to go outside and "calm down." The statement mentioned that neighbours who heard the gunshot alerted the community vigilance group. However, on arrival, the vigilance group members were allegedly instructed by the soldiers to "mop up the blood and flush it," a directive the family said raises serious concerns about the preservation of evidence.
Body Taken to Hospital
Jamiu's body was later taken to the hospital by police officers. The family said they were compelled to endure hours of statements and administrative procedures before being granted access to retrieve their son's remains for burial. They further stated that when confronted, the soldiers admitted the shooting was a mistake and that they had killed an innocent person. According to the family, this admission was made in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and documented in a written statement.
Demands for Justice
The family demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Jamiu's death, to be conducted outside the Nigerian military's chain of command and with full civilian oversight. They also called for the identification, suspension pending investigation, and prosecution of the personnel responsible for the shooting. In addition, the family demanded a retraction of the military's earlier statement and the issuance of a corrected account consistent with the available evidence and prior admissions. They further called for a formal public apology from the army.
