Family Rejects Army’s Account of Abuja Killing, Demands Justice for Slain 24-Year-Old

The family of 24-year-old Abdulsamad Jamiu has formally rejected the Nigerian Army’s account of the circumstances surrounding his death, insisting he was wrongly killed by military personnel inside his home in Dei-Dei Shagari Quarters, Abuja, and not during any exchange of gunfire with armed robbers as claimed by the military.

In a formal rebuttal statement issued on Saturday, the family described the Army’s official version of events as false, misleading, and an affront to the memory of the deceased, who they said was an innocent civilian shot at close range in the early hours of April 25, 2026.

According to the statement, military personnel entered the family residence at about 2:00 a.m. while Abdulsamad was inside his room. His parents were said to be away in Okene for a burial ceremony, while his sister was at home during the incident.

The family alleged that soldiers fired a shot through the closed door of Abdulsamad’s room, striking him in the head and killing him instantly.

They said the bullet trajectory, visible from the hole running from the room door to the wall, proves the shot came from outside the room and not during any gun battle as claimed by the Army.

The statement further revealed that after the shooting, Abdulsamad’s sister rushed downstairs and was allegedly instructed by the soldiers to go outside and “calm down.”

Neighbours who heard the gunshot reportedly alerted the community vigilante group. However, the family claimed that upon arrival, vigilante members were directed by military personnel to clean the bloodstains and flush the area, raising concerns about possible tampering with evidence at the scene.

The body was later taken to Kubwa General Hospital by police officers who arrived at the residence, while the family said they were subjected to hours of police statements and documentation before they were allowed to retrieve the remains for burial.

Most significantly, the family alleged that the soldiers involved admitted at the scene that the killing was a mistake and acknowledged that they had shot an innocent person.

According to the statement, this admission was made in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer and documented in writing.

The family strongly disputed the Army’s claim that soldiers were pursuing armed robbers and that Abdulsamad was killed during an exchange of gunfire, arguing that no evidence supports such an account.

They maintained that the physical evidence at the scene clearly contradicts the military’s explanation and called for accountability, justice, and an independent investigation into the killing.

“The family is not issuing this statement in anger alone. They are issuing it in the interest of truth, accountability, and the rule of law,” the statement read.

The incident has triggered growing concern among residents and rights advocates over the conduct of security personnel during civilian operations and renewed calls for greater transparency in military engagements involving non-combatants.