The Nigerian Army has launched an inquiry into the purported murder of Mr. Lawal, who was allegedly assassinated on August 17, 2023, by individuals wearing military uniforms.
The army added that investigations were continuing to determine whether the culprits were active duty soldiers.
The interim deputy director of Army Public Relations for 81 Division NA,Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, stated in a statement on Sunday that if the perpetrators are serving troops, they will be subject to the full force of both military and civil laws.
It read, “The Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that it has commenced investigation into an alleged killing of one Mr. Lawal who was said to have been killed by some persons in military uniform on August 17, 2023.
“In as much as information into the allegation is still scanty at the moment, being a responsible organisation, Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army considers it appropriate to bring the occurrence to public notice and the steps taken to identify the alleged persons in military uniform, believed to be soldiers and bring them to justice if truly they are serving soldiers.
“The Division is currently investigating in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Lagos State Command to unravel the identity of the alleged suspects and the circumstances surrounding the alleged unfortunate incident. At the end of the investigation, if the suspects are identified as serving soldiers, they will be made to face the full wrath of both military and civil laws.”
He urged the family of the deceased to be patient and wait till the outcome of the investigation.
“While the matter is under investigation, Headquarters 81 Division requests the family of the deceased to exercise patience and wait for the outcome of the investigation as whoever is found wanting will be made to face disciplinary action. The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for troops’ misconduct or involvement of its personnel in any form of criminality, hence, will not allow this allegation to go unravelled.
“Consequently, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Maj Gen MT Usman, commiserates with the family of the victim while promising that justice would be served accordingly. He assures the family of the deceased that whosoever killed their loved one will not be allowed to go unpunished.”
