Reports from Isiala Ngwa North council area of Abia State indicate that an unnamed naval officer, stationed at the Naval College of Administration and Finance, Owerri-Nta, reportedly shot and killed a man identified as Majo Nwogu.
The incident occurred along Umuezegwu – Mbawsi road when Nwogu, riding his motorcycle, allegedly ignored signals to stop at a naval checkpoint.
According to eyewitnesses, Nwogu’s refusal to halt prompted anger from the naval personnel, leading to one of them shooting him in the back. Despite efforts to save him, Nwogu succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a pool of blood.
In contrast, the Navy, as reported by Vanguard, claims that Nwogu was involved in a case of tricycle theft and was shot during an attempt to arrest him, allegedly while struggling for a naval officer’s firearm.
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Additional details gathered reveal the existence of a barricade at the checkpoint, where motorcycle riders are required to dismount and proceed on foot, a practice that has reportedly caused ongoing humiliation for riders who fail to comply. It is alleged that Nwogu’s non-stop action led to his tragic demise.
Following the incident, the naval personnel purportedly instructed other motorcycle riders to transport Nwogu to the hospital before departing the scene hastily.
Despite efforts by sympathizers and family members to save him, Nwogu passed away before receiving medical attention. His body was subsequently taken to an undisclosed morgue.
Director of Naval Information, Rear Admiral Ayo-Vaughan, confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding Nwogu’s death.
“He said; “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 his 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.”