Family Contests Army's Narrative on NYSC Member's Death, Seeks Investigation

The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a corps member tragically killed by soldiers from the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force in Abuja's Dei-Dei, Shagari Estate, has strongly refuted the military's official statement regarding the incident.

The Nigerian Army had previously stated on Sunday, April 26, that the late Jamiu was caught in a volatile exchange of gunfire on April 25. According to the army's account, troops were responding to a distress call about an armed robbery in progress when they encountered armed assailants, leading to a shootout in which Jamiu was fatally injured.

"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's statement read, describing the situation as "fluid and highly volatile." The military also noted that the deceased's body was transferred to civil authorities at Kubwa General Hospital.

However, the Jamiu family has presented a counter-narrative, asserting that "physical evidence disproves an exchange of gunfire." They contend that their son was killed around 2 a.m. on Saturday when military personnel entered the estate. Jamiu's sister was reportedly present in the house at the time, while their parents were away attending a burial ceremony in Okene.

"Nigerian military personnel discharged a firearm at close range through the door of Abdulsamad’s room. The shot struck him in the head, k!lling 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," the family's statement detailed.

The family questioned the army's account, pointing out that an exchange of gunfire typically involves an armed adversary. They noted the absence of any identified or apprehended armed suspect, the recovery of any weapon, or shell casings not attributed to the military. They also highlighted that the soldiers' point of entry was by scaling the fence, with evidence of damaged barbed wire still visible.

Furthermore, the family stated that the property's gate remained intact and undamaged, and no robbery incidents were reported in the neighbourhood on that night.

According to the family, Jamiu’s sister, upon hearing the gunshot, came out but was allegedly told by the soldiers to go outside and "calm down." Neighbours who heard the shot alerted the community's vigilance group. The family claims that upon their arrival, the vigilance group members were instructed by the soldiers to "mop up the blood and flush it," which they feel raises serious questions about evidence preservation.

Police officers later transported Jamiu's body to the hospital. The family reported enduring several hours of questioning and administrative processes before being allowed to retrieve their son’s remains for burial.

The family also claimed that the soldiers involved admitted to the shooting being a mistake, acknowledging they had killed an innocent individual. This admission, they stated, was made in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and recorded in a written statement.

In light of these circumstances, the Jamiu family is demanding an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into Abdulsamad Jamiu's death. They seek an inquiry conducted by authorities outside the Nigerian military's command structure, with complete civilian oversight.

The family has also called for the identification, suspension, and prosecution of the military personnel responsible for the shooting. They further requested a retraction of the army's initial statement and the publication of a revised account that aligns with the evidence and prior admissions, alongside a formal public apology from the army.