The Nigerian military has issued a statement regarding allegations of torture resulting in the death of a hotel manager in Umuahia.
The statement, signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, mentioned that an investigation is currently underway.
The incident in question involved Cadet Officer Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche from the Nigerian Defence Academy, who was reportedly drowned at Damgrete Hotel Swimming Facility on April 9, 2024.
Following this, Operation UDO KA in Abia State summoned four hotel staff members for questioning to understand the circumstances surrounding Onyemereche’s death.
According to the military’s report, the hotel staff were released unharmed after the interrogation.
However, it was later revealed that one of the individuals who had been questioned complained of health problems and was taken to Federal Medical Center Umuahia, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Part of the statement read: ”While it is heartbreaking and unfortunate to hear about the news of the demise of one of the staff, Operation UDO KA as a professional military organisation that operates within the ambit of the laws, has arrested all personnel involved in the interrogation process and preliminary investigation ongoing to ascertain the actual cause of death of the said hotel staff.
”The Operation UDO KA wishes to condole with the immediate and extended family on the demise of their beloved son and also wishes to assure the entire family that if any of its personnel is found culpable in the death of the manager, such personnel will face the full wrath of the law as no stone will be left unturned to unravel the actual circumstances that led to his death.”
