Family of Slain NYSC Member Rejects Army’s Account, Demands Independent Probe

The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member allegedly killed by military personnel in Abuja, has issued a detailed rebuttal challenging the Nigerian Army’s account of the circumstances surrounding his death. In a formal statement released on April 26, 2026, the family described the Army’s version of events as “false, misleading, and an affront to the memory of an innocent young man,” insisting that available evidence contradicts claims that Jamiu was caught in a crossfire during an operation against armed robbers.

Jamiu was reportedly shot dead in the early hours of April 25 at his residence in Dei-Dei Shagari Quarters, within the Federal Capital Territory. According to the family, soldiers entered the premises at about 2:00 a.m. while Jamiu was inside his room. His parents were said to be out of town attending a burial, leaving him and his sister at home. The statement alleged that military personnel fired a shot through Jamiu’s closed bedroom door, hitting him in the head and killing him instantly. The family added that the trajectory of the bullet shows it was fired from outside the room into a closed space, which they argue contradicts any claim of an exchange of gunfire.

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The Nigerian Army had earlier maintained that its personnel were pursuing armed robbers and that the fatal shooting occurred during a gun battle. However, the family dismissed this explanation, pointing to what it described as several inconsistencies. Residents in the area reportedly heard only a single gunshot—the one that killed Jamiu—with no indication of any exchange of fire. The family also said local vigilante members confirmed that no robbery incident was reported in the community that night. In addition, they questioned the manner of entry, alleging that soldiers scaled the fence and damaged barbed wire instead of entering through the gate or announcing their presence. They further noted that no suspects were arrested and no weapons were recovered, which they say undermines the military’s claim.

A central element of the family’s rebuttal is the claim that soldiers at the scene admitted the shooting was a mistake. According to the statement, this admission was made in the presence of a Divisional Police Officer and documented in a written statement. The family argued that such an admission contradicts the military’s public narrative of a lawful engagement.

The family also raised concerns about how the scene was handled after the incident, alleging that soldiers instructed local vigilante members to clean up bloodstains rather than preserve the area for proper investigation. Jamiu’s body was later taken to Kubwa General Hospital by the police, and the family said they had to go through several hours of administrative procedures before retrieving his remains for burial.

In its demands, the family called for an independent and transparent investigation outside the military’s chain of command, as well as the identification and prosecution of those responsible for the shooting. They also requested a retraction of the Army’s public statement and a formal apology. Additionally, the family posed several questions to the military authorities, including who authorised the operation, the source of the alleged robbery report, and why force was used without confirming any threat.

Describing the incident as a serious violation of the military’s duty to protect citizens, the family said it would pursue all legal and institutional avenues to ensure accountability. They maintained that Abdulsamad Jamiu was unarmed, inside his room, and posed no threat at the time he was killed. The case has since drawn public attention, with calls for justice circulating on social media under the hashtag #JusticeForAbdulsamad.

Family of Slain NYSC Member Rejects Army’s Account, Demands Independent Probe

Kwara Govt Links Bukola Saraki to 2018 Offa Robbery Case

The Kwara State Government has urged former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and other accused persons to defend themselves in court over fresh allegations linking them to the 2018 Offa armed robbery case, insisting that the matter must be resolved strictly through judicial proceedings.

The state government, in a statement issued by Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said the new 20-count charges filed on April 9, 2026, also involve former Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, his former Chief of Staff Yusuf Abdulwahab, and aide Alabi Olalekan Ahmed.

The government alleged that the defendants supported and supplied arms to individuals connected to the deadly robbery attack that occurred in Offa, Kwara State in 2018, an incident that led to multiple deaths and widespread public outrage at the time.

The administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq stated that the fresh charges are based on evidence already obtained during earlier investigations and court proceedings related to the robbery case. It claimed that weapons and other exhibits allegedly linked to the crime were recovered from the Government House in 2018 and later presented as evidence during the prosecution of the principal suspects.

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The government also referenced the Court of Appeal judgment which upheld the conviction of some of the suspects, including Ayo Akinnibosun, who allegedly made confessional statements during trial linking certain political figures to the incident.

The state government maintained that the decision to file new charges is not politically motivated but a constitutional responsibility to act on available evidence. Commissioner Olukoju stressed that ignoring such evidence would amount to dereliction of duty, adding that all individuals must be treated equally under the law, regardless of political status or influence. She explained that only the courts have the authority to determine guilt or innocence, not the government or public opinion, and insisted that the prosecution process must be strictly followed.

In response, Saraki has denied any involvement in the Offa robbery case, describing the renewed charges as a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his image and reputation. He maintained that the allegations are unfounded and expressed confidence that he would clear his name in court, insisting that the matter is being used to pursue political interests.

The 2018 Offa robbery remains one of the most violent incidents in Kwara State’s recent history, involving coordinated attacks on banks that resulted in multiple deaths, including security personnel and civilians. Several suspects were arrested and prosecuted, with some convictions later upheld on appeal. The case has continued to generate political controversy due to alleged links between some convicted individuals and high-profile political actors.

The Kwara State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring accountability and justice, stressing that the new charges are based on its constitutional duty to act on credible evidence. It added that only the courts have the authority to determine guilt or innocence, urging all defendants to present their defence in line with due legal process.

Kwara Govt Links Bukola Saraki to 2018 Offa Robbery Case

Gunmen Kill Three Mourners, Kidnap Two in Fresh Benue Attack

Gunmen on Saturday night attacked mourners returning from a burial in Sati-Ikov Council Ward of Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, killing three people and abducting two others in what residents described as a worsening wave of violence in the area.

Residents who spoke on Sunday said the attackers ambushed the victims near the community shortly after the burial ceremony, opening fire on them and causing panic.

A local source, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, said the assailants—suspected to be armed militias—targeted the mourners along the road leading into Sati-Ikov.

“Some mourners coming from a burial were attacked near our community on Saturday night. Three of them were killed, and two others—a male and a female—were kidnapped,” the source said.

The lawmaker representing Ushongo Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Simon Gabo, confirmed the incident and condemned the persistent attacks, describing the situation as alarming.

He identified the deceased as Bem Msughter from Mbakyombo (Daav-Ikov), Aondo Chia from Mbamegh (Daav-Ikov), and Sunday Terwase from Mbakyor (Daav-Ikov).

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According to him, the abducted victims include Aondongu Amos, a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator based in Sati-Ikov, and Mrs. Arinze, an Igbo patent medicine trader in the area.

Gabo, who also serves as the Deputy Majority Chief Whip of the Assembly, said the latest attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence that has intensified over the past two weeks.

“I received a call from my people around 4 a.m. that mourners returning from a burial ran into armed men. The attackers shot and killed three of them, robbed others, and kidnapped two people,” he said.

He further revealed that similar attacks have occurred repeatedly in recent weeks, including an incident about two weeks ago in which three persons were also killed.

The lawmaker attributed the recurring violence to armed groups believed to be crossing into Ushongo from neighbouring Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

“They cross from there to our side, carry out attacks, and retreat. The terrain is difficult—mountainous with dense forests—which makes security operations challenging,” he explained.

Security sources indicated that the incident has been reported to the police, and operatives have since been deployed to the affected community to restore calm and begin investigations.

Efforts to get official confirmation from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached.

The latest killings have heightened fear among residents, with many calling for increased security presence and more proactive measures to curb the growing insecurity in rural parts of the state.

The attack underscores ongoing concerns over rising violence in Benue communities, particularly in border areas where armed groups exploit difficult terrain to launch assaults and evade capture.

Gunmen Kill Three Mourners, Kidnap Two in Fresh Benue Attack