The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who was killed in Dei-Dei, Abuja, has rejected the account given by the Nigerian Army, insisting that he was not caught in crossfire but shot at close range by soldiers.
The Guards Brigade had earlier stated that Jamiu died during a gun battle between troops and suspected armed robbers on April 25 at Shagari Estate in Abuja.
“Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange,” the Army said, adding that Jamiu was “caught in the crossfire” and later died from his injuries.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the family disputed the military’s version, arguing that available physical evidence contradicts claims of an exchange of gunfire.
According to the family, Jamiu was killed around 2am when soldiers allegedly entered the estate and fired a shot through the door of his room.
“Nigerian military personnel discharged a firearm at close range through the door of Abdulsamad’s room. The shot struck him in the head, killing him instantly,” the statement read.
They added that the trajectory of the bullet—running from the door into the wall—suggests it was fired from outside the room through a closed door.
The family also questioned the claim of a shootout, noting that no armed suspect has been identified and no weapons or shell casings, aside from those linked to the military, were reportedly found at the scene.
“No such adversary has been identified, produced, or accounted for. No weapon was recovered from the scene,” the statement added.
They further alleged that soldiers gained access to the compound by scaling the fence, while the main gate remained intact, and insisted that no robbery was reported in the area that night.
According to the family, Jamiu’s sister, who was in the house at the time, rushed out after hearing the gunshot but was told by soldiers to “go outside and calm down.”
They also claimed that members of a local vigilance group who arrived at the scene were instructed by soldiers to clean up the blood, raising concerns about possible tampering with evidence.
The family said the body was later taken to the hospital by police officers, and that soldiers admitted the shooting was a mistake when confronted.
“They admitted they had killed an innocent person,” the statement alleged, adding that the admission was made in the presence of a Divisional Police Officer and documented.
The family is now demanding an independent and transparent investigation outside the military’s chain of command, with full civilian oversight.
They also called for the identification, suspension, and prosecution of the personnel involved, a retractions of the Army’s initial statement, and a formal public apology.
