Warri Extra-Judicial Killing: Rights Activist Israel Joe Faults Military Response, Vows to Petition Defence Minister

By Osaro Michael, Benin

The Nigerian Army, NA on Thursday said a serving Soldier recently killed a man identified as Ugo in self defence combat in Delta State. This is according to a statement by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer, Capt. Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau,Headquarters 63 Brigade,Asaba.

It would be recalled that the soldier killed the man at Delta Marine Logistics and Technical, DMLT Estate in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Nigerian Army explained thus;”The Headquarters, 63 Brigade, wishes to state that a tense confrontation between a soldier and a suspected criminal occurred at the Delta Marine Logistics and the Technical (DMLT) Estate in Warri, Delta State, on 13 October 2025.”

According to the Nigerian Army,”The fracas resulted in the death of the suspect, who engaged the soldier on duty in a scuffle, who acted in self-defense.

“For the records, the incident occurred when the soldier, who was on duty at the DMLT Estate gate halted a group of individuals, who attempted to force their entry into the premises without subjecting themselves to checks.

“When the soldier questioned the group’s intention and sought to ascertain their identities, the said individuals became aggressive and unruly.

“The suspected criminals became violent when asked who they were looking for and why they were trying to enter without clearance.

“The altercation escalated into a physical struggle wherein the soldier, who acted in self defence used armed combat skills and injured one of the unruly individuals.

“The injured suspected criminal was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention, but was pronounced dead later. Accordingly, the Otu-Jeremi Police Division in Delta State was promptly notified about the incident for necessary action.

“The Brigade wishes to reiterate to the good people of Delta State the need to remain law abiding, and subject themselves to checks in line with subsisting standard operating procedures.

“Additionally, it is important to unequivocally state that respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry has always been prioritized, while discharging statutory responsibilities in Delta State.”

A Civil Right Leader, Comrade Israel Joe lambasted the Nigerian Army for defending/shielding the soldier whom he identified as “Sefiu” with a vow to write a protest letter to the Minister of Defence as well as stage a peaceful protest where they would hand over the corpse of the deceased man,Ugo to the Nigerian Army for them to go and bury their criminal as they claimed.

“Full-blown military brutality has happened to Mr. Ugo, and going on against Nigerian youths, and we shall stop at nothing to ensure justice is done.”

Joe said,”I have read with uttermost dismay and fundamental disappointment, your shameless and disgracing press release issued by 63 Brigades Asaba of the Nigeria Army where you have attempted to cover your shameless murderer Sefui who murdered in cold blood an unarmed innocent young man in the presence of his brothers at Delta Marine Logistics and Technicam (DMLT) Estate in Opete Delta State.”

According to Joe,”I think that the Nigeria Army still thinks we are in an era of fears and intimidation where citizens have no right to the truth like it was during the military era. I do not believe anyone of this generation now fears the truth in the defence of humanity and consciences.

“Let’s set the record straight. Your brazen murderer, murdered Mr. Ugo, in the presence of the resident, he came to visit at the estate, who pleaded with the officer molesting them that they came to see her.

“You have in a hurry called Mr. Ugo a criminal, but I can tell you that the said Mr. Ugo had no criminal record whether being detained by the police or had ever been prosecuted by any law enforcement agency. Where did you bring your accusations from, if not to defend your soldier who brutally murdered an innocent citizen?

“The blood brothers of the said Ugo who were eye witness were never called during your speedy investigation all in the quest to defend your men. Is it possible to have all five brothers in the same car going for a criminal mission? Is stabbing an innocent person a part of your combat skills? Was the said innocent man unruly to a point where just one officer stabbed him to death yet in the presence of others?

“If he was a criminal like you claimed, why would your officer run away into the estate after stabbing him? Why wasn’t he there to keep him down? This has shown how low and shabby these disgraceful investigations are and how these persons who are mandated to combat national/state territorial security issues have descended into kiIlìng citizens and covering their evil.”