“Investigation into the incident revealed that Johnson was one of the soldiers deployed for security duties at Forward Operations Base in Ohanze but absconded from his duty post to an unknown destination."
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested one Lance Corporal Ajayi Johnson, suspected to have killed a commercial motorcyclist at Umuokereke Ngwa in Abia.
In a statement on Saturday in Enugu, the Deputy Director of Army Public Relations in the division, Colonel Aliyu Yusuf, said the army had commenced investigations into the killing.
On Wednesday, Johnson reportedly shot the motorcyclist named Chimaobi Nwaogu at close range, leading to his death on the spot.
Yusuf said that Johnson was on illegal duty at the time of the incident and that he absconded after the incident.
He said, “Investigation into the incident revealed that Johnson was one of the soldiers deployed for security duties at Forward Operations Base in Ohanze but absconded from his duty post to an unknown destination.
“He was reported to have been involved in a scuffle that led to the shooting and killing of Nwaogu.
“He has been arrested and if found culpable, he will be dismissed and handed over to the police for prosecution.
“The Nigerian Army deeply regrets this unfortunate incident and prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased.”