There is a fresh twist in the killing of an NYSC member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, in Dei-Dei, Abuja, as his family fiercely disputes the Nigerian Army’s account, insisting he was not caught in any crossfire but gunned down inside his room.
The Guards Brigade had earlier claimed the corps member died during a gun battle on April 25, when troops responded to a distress call over an alleged armed robbery at Shagari Estate.
“Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange,” the statement reads.
“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 military described the situation as “fluid and highly volatile,” adding that Jamiu’s remains were later deposited at Kubwa General Hospital.
But in a counterclaim, the family says the army’s version is riddled with holes, insisting “physical evidence disproves an exchange of gunfire”.
According to them, the incident occurred around 2am when soldiers allegedly stormed the estate, scaling the fence to gain entry while the main gate remained untouched.
In their account, the family revealed that Jamiu was inside his room when the fatal shot was fired.
“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 statement reads.
“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.”
They argue that the idea of a shootout makes no sense, pointing out that no armed suspect was found and no evidence of return fire exists.
“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 statement added.
The family further disclosed that remnants of broken barbed wire still mark the point where soldiers allegedly forced their way into the compound.
“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.”
They also insist there was no robbery reported that night, casting further doubt on the army’s initial claim.
Moments after the gunshot, Jamiu’s sister reportedly rushed out but was told by soldiers to go outside and “calm down”, while neighbours who raised alarm called in the local vigilance group.
In another troubling claim, the family said members of the vigilance group were allegedly ordered by soldiers to “mop up the blood and flush it”, sparking fears of evidence tampering.
The body was later evacuated by police officers, but the ordeal did not end there. The family said they faced hours of bureaucratic delays before being allowed to retrieve their son’s remains.
Even more explosive, the family claims the soldiers later admitted the killing was accidental.
They say the confession was made in the presence of a Divisional Police Officer and documented in writing.
Now, the grieving family is demanding a full, independent probe outside military control, insisting those responsible must face justice.
They are also calling for the identification and suspension of the officers involved, a retraction of the army’s statement, and a public apology.
