The Abia State Police Command on Monday said it had begun a discreet investigation into the alleged murder of a Manager of Royal Damgrete Hotel, Umuahia, the state capital, James Etubi, by suspected military personnel.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday.
Chinaka stated that the command’s detectives had visited the hospital, taken pictures of the deceased, while the body was undergoing autopsy.
She added that the hotel Director had on Friday alleged in a report at the Central Police State, Umuahia that four military personnel came to their hotel on Factory Road, Umuahia, took away four of his staff members and beat them up.
According to Chinaka, the incident resulted in various degrees of injury.
She said: “One of the staff members, James Etubi, slumped and was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by a doctor.
“His body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary.”
The Assistant Superintendent of Police explained that the incident happened in the aftermath of the death of a Cadet Officer, who allegedly drowned at the hotel’s swimming pool on April 9.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has said it was deeply concerned by the alleged “unprofessional conduct” of some of its personnel in the tragic death of the hotel manager.
As reported earlier by The Eagle Online, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this in a statement made available to newsmen.
Nwachukwu said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, had promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable.
He said that the Army extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased hotel manager and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche.
The Army spokesman assured the public that efforts would be made to ensure that justice was served in the matter.
Also Read:
- Paternity dispute: Court cautions ex-minister’s lawyer over frivolous adjournment
- Afenifere appoints Dele Farotimi as Organising Secretary
- No better time than now for 24-hour port operations -Ministers, others
- Ibom Entertainment Forum begins membership re-validation exercise
- Sanwo-Olu celebrate ex-Deputy Governor Pedro at 70
He stated: “The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions.
“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens.
“We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout the country.
“The Nigerian Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation.”
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
