‘Corper Jamiu Was Shot In His Room’ — Family Rejects Army’s Account

• Abdulsamad Jamiu Was Shot In His Room — Family Rejects Army’s Account

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The family of a serving NYSC member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has rejected the military’s claim that he died in a crossfire during an operation against armed robbers in Dei-Dei, Shagari Estate, Abuja.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the bereaved family insisted that Jamiu was shot dead in his room at about 2am on Saturday, April 25, by soldiers from the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force.

They maintained that physical evidence at the scene shows the fatal shot was fired from outside through a closed door, striking the corps member in the head and killing him instantly.

According to the family, Jamiu’s sister was present in the house when the incident occurred, while their parents were away in Okene attending a burial ceremony.

The family noted that the soldiers scaled the fence of the premises, leaving visible remnants of fallen barbed wire, while the main gate remained intact.

No robbery was reported in the community that night, and no armed adversary, weapon, or shell casings from any other party were found or documented at the scene, the statement added.

Neighbours who heard the single gunshot quickly alerted the local vigilance group, but upon arrival, the group members were allegedly instructed by the soldiers to mop up the blood and flush it away.

Jamiu’s sister, who rushed downstairs after the shot, was reportedly told by the soldiers to go outside and calm down.

The family claimed that when confronted, the soldiers admitted the shooting was a mistake and that they had killed an innocent person, an admission allegedly made in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer and documented in a written statement.

The body was later moved to Kubwa General Hospital by police officers, after which the family endured hours of administrative processes before gaining access to the remains.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News, the Guards Brigade had claimed Jamiu was caught in crossfire when troops responded to a distress call from residents under attack by armed robbers.

The family has demanded an immediate, independent investigation outside the military’s chain of command, with full civilian oversight.

They also called for the suspension and prosecution of the soldiers involved, a retraction of the army’s initial statement, and a formal public apology from the Nigerian Army.

The tragic death of the young corps member has once again raised serious concerns about the conduct of security operations in civilian residential areas across the Federal Capital Territory.