The soldier was one of the personnel deployed to the Calabar Correctional Service facility.
The Nigerian Army has confirmed that one of its personnel shot dead a final-year student of the University of Calabar, Mr Gray Agbesu, on Friday, July 9.
The soldier was one of the personnel deployed to the Calabar Correctional Service facility.
The army said on Sunday in a release that upon receipt of information, the soldier was apprehended by own troops, while trying to flee the town to evade arrest.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that the soldier, whose identity was not disclosed, was currently in the custody of the Military Police.
He said, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video alleging the killing of a final-year student of the University of Calabar, Mr Gray Agbesu, on Friday, 9 July 2021 by a serving soldier deployed on duty at the Calabar Correctional Service facility.
“On receiving the information, the soldier was apprehended by own troops, while trying to flee the town to evade arrest. He is currently in the custody of the Military Police and investigation has commenced to ascertain the circumstances that led to the killing of the student.
“The Commander 13 Brigade has visited the scene of the incident and addressed the youths. He assured them of the commitment of Nigerian Army authorities towards ensuring that justice prevails in the unfortunate incident. The Brigade Commander has also paid a visit to the family of the deceased, where he reiterated the army's resolve to ensure that the family gets justice over the killing of their son. The Commander has equally visited the Cross River State General Hospital, where the remains of the deceased were deposited.
“The Nigerian Army remains a disciplined and professional organisation and will not condone such unprofessional conduct by any of its personnel. The Nigerian Army will continue to operate within the ambit of the law, hence, would not tolerate any act of infringement on the fundamental human rights of citizens by its personnel.
“We assure the family and the community that the soldier will be duly investigated and made to face judicial processes as deemed appropriate by the law.”