An Abia-based rights group, Center for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society (CEHRAWS), has called for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the alleged killing of a truck driver, Mr. Kelechi Ejiofor, by military personnel in Abia State.
Mr. Ejiofor was allegedly shot by a military personnel stationed at Onion Market, Uratta Junction, along the Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.
Eyewitness accounts, particularly those of the deceased’s motor boy (conductor), reveal a deeply disturbing pattern of recklessness, impunity, and utter disregard for the sanctity of human life.
It was gathered that the victim was reportedly trailed by military personnel in a private vehicle over an alleged failure to pay an unlawful checkpoint levy, and shockingly, without any attempt to verify the facts or adhere to established Rules of Engagement, one of the officers opened fire on the driver.
The victim was subsequently abandoned and later succumbed to his injuries.
At no point did the personnel responsible, or any member of their team, show up during his hospitalization.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of CEHRAWS, Chuka Okoye, acknowledged the Abia State Government’s prompt expression of concern and its commitment to pursue a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the unfortunate incident, but said beyond assurances, it is imperative that these commitments are matched with swift, concrete, and visible actions to ensure accountability and deterrence.
Okoye noted that the actions of the military personnel constitute a flagrant breach of Section 33(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantees the right to life and prohibits unlawful deprivation thereof, as well as Section 34(1), which safeguards the dignity of the human person and prohibits inhuman or degrading treatment.
“The Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, regulates the conduct of military personnel and does not authorize extrajudicial killings or the extortion of civilians. Also, the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act criminalizes the unlawful use of firearms outside legally permissible circumstances.
“It is settled law that wearing a uniform does not place any officer above the law. The doctrine of command responsibility equally raises serious concerns regarding the accountability of superior officers under whose authority such acts occur,” he said.
Okoye expressed worry that the killing is part of a disturbing and recurring pattern of alleged extortion, harassment, and brutality by security operatives across the Southeast, particularly in Abia State.
He said, “There have been persistent reports of motorists being forced to part with money under duress, harassed for trivial or non-existent infractions, and subjected to degrading treatment, including being assaulted for merely using a mobile phone while in transit.
Such conduct creates the false impression that civilians are living in a conflict zone rather than in a constitutional democracy.
“The Southeast is not a war zone, and Abia State must not be treated as an occupied territory.”
The CEHRAWS boss demanded the prompt public disclosure of the identities of the officers involved, including their commanding officers, as well as the dismantling or strict regulation of illegal checkpoint operations, particularly those serving as avenues for extortion.
The group also called on the Abia State Government, in collaboration with relevant federal authorities, to establish a multi-stakeholder oversight and accountability committee comprising civil society organizations, the Nigerian Bar Association, security agencies, and community representatives to monitor, document, and ensure the prosecution of those responsible for human rights violations by security operatives.
It further suggested adequate compensation to the family of the deceased, in line with both domestic laws and international human rights standards.
“The primary responsibility of the government, as enshrined in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution, is the security and welfare of the people.
While the Government’s initial response is commendable, it must now move beyond declarations to decisive action that reassures citizens that their lives are not at the mercy of armed operatives.
“Failure to rein in rogue elements within the security architecture not only erodes public trust but also risks pushing citizens toward self-help, with grave consequences for law and order,” he warned.
