Senator Adeola alleges that his aide was killed by soldiers.

 

Senator Solomon Adeola, who represents Ogun West, has accused Nigerian Army soldiers of being responsible for the death of his aide, Adeniyi Sanni. The senator conveyed this information in a statement released on Monday, which was signed by his media aide, Kayode Odunaro. It had been reported that Sanni passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023.

Senator Adeola initially shared that his understanding of the situation was that Sanni was stopped at a checkpoint in the Ojodu-Berger Area of Lagos while en route to his home in Isheri. Security agents at the checkpoint requested documentation for the vehicle he was driving. Sanni complied by having his wife send the necessary documents via WhatsApp. Following this, Sanni informed his wife that soldiers were still examining the vehicle's documents. Sadly, that was the last communication she had with him. Sanni's body, bearing bullet wounds, was subsequently found near the Toyota Bus Stop area of Oshodi, close to a military barracks.

Senator Adeola later clarified that his aide's death was the result of actions taken by members of the Nigerian military. He stated that he firmly believed, based on information available to the police, that Sanni was killed by a group of soldiers operating under the command of Brigadier General Nsikan Edet, who had been newly assigned to the 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment of the Nigerian Army. These soldiers were apparently establishing checkpoints and robbing individuals traveling alone in cars.

Further investigation revealed that a similar incident of violence and robbery involving soldiers occurred around the same Ojodu-Berger area on August 17, 2023. Another individual was killed and his body was discovered near Iyana-Ipaja after he was taken away by soldiers from a checkpoint. This individual happened to be in the second car of a two-car convoy heading towards the same destination. The first car was allowed to pass the checkpoint without interruption.

Senator Adeola has urged Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, to take action in identifying and apprehending the culprits responsible for his aide's death. He hopes for a thorough investigation, prosecution, and justice for the deceased. He also highlighted the ongoing pattern of similar incidents involving late-night checkpoints manned by soldiers in the Ikeja area, urging for a resolution to these disturbing occurrences.