The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest and detention of one of its personnel, Lance Corporal Ahmed Aminu, in connection with the tragic killing of a mobile phone repair technician, Alkasim Ibrahim, in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 4, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage among residents and human rights organisations.
According to eyewitness reports, the altercation began when a female customer—allegedly the soldier’s girlfriend—brought her mobile phone to Ibrahim’s workshop for repairs.
The soldier reportedly became enraged after learning from the woman that there was a delay in servicing the phone.
In what witnesses described as a brutal and unwarranted attack, Lance Corporal Aminu allegedly confronted and physically assaulted the technician.
“He was just trying to earn a living. His only ‘offence’ was not fixing a phone on time,” said Nuruddeen Abubakar, a local resident who witnessed the aftermath of the attack. “And now, he’s dead.”
Eyewitnesses claim that the beating rendered Ibrahim unconscious. Despite efforts to save him, he later died from the injuries he sustained, fuelling public anger and leading to calls for justice.
Human rights advocates and members of the community are demanding that the case not be swept under the rug through internal disciplinary procedures.
They insist that the soldier be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to serve as a deterrent against future abuses by security personnel.
Responding to the public outcry, the Nigerian Army issued an official statement on Saturday, July 5, through Lieutenant Adebayo Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 23 Armour Brigade, Yola.
In the statement, the Army expressed deep concern over the incident and confirmed that the soldier had been taken into custody.
“The Nigerian Army acknowledges the reported incident with deep concern and wishes to inform the public that the said soldier has since been taken into custody,” Adewumi stated.
“A thorough investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.”
He further emphasized the Army’s commitment to upholding discipline and professionalism within its ranks.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to enforcing high standards of conduct among its personnel. Any form of misconduct will not be tolerated,” Adewumi added, assuring the public that the outcome of the investigation would be made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
As the investigation continues, the people of Mayo-Belwa and civil society groups are keeping a close watch, hoping for swift and decisive justice for Alkasim Ibrahim, whose death has become yet another flashpoint in the ongoing concerns about the abuse of power by uniformed personnel in Nigeria.
About The Author
