The Journalists for Defence of Human Rights (JDHR) has condemned the killing of Mr. Oghenekaro Ugochukwu Bonny, who was allegedly stabbed to death by a soldier on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate, Otokutu, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Okakuro Akpokona Omafuaire, Chairman and Secretary respectively, JDHR called for a thorough, transparent, and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
According to multiple eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at Plantation City Estate, near Otokutu, when Ugochukwu and two others visited a friend.
A confrontation reportedly broke out after a soldier stopped them at the estate gate. The dispute allegedly escalated into physical violence, during which the soldier stabbed Ugochukwu, who later died in hospital.
JDHR described the incident as “a shocking abuse of power and disregard for human life,” insisting that no claim of self-defence can justify a fatal stabbing of an unarmed civilian.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Army released a statement claiming the soldier acted in self-defence, alleging that Ugochukwu and his companions tried to force their way into the estate without clearance and became aggressive.
However, the deceased’s family has strongly rejected the Army’s account, insisting that Ugochukwu was a law-abiding citizen visiting a friend, not a trespasser or aggressor.
They allege that the military’s narrative conflicts with eyewitness reports and that key evidence, including medical findings and witness statements, has been ignored.
JDHR faulted the Army’s position, saying the self-defence claim lacks credible backing.
The group demanded the immediate suspension of the soldier involved pending the outcome of investigations and called for the inclusion of independent observers, human rights bodies, and forensic experts in the probe.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the group stated. “The credibility of both the Army and the police depends on the transparency of their actions in this case.”
JDHR further urged the Delta State Police Command and the Chief of Army Staff to ensure accountability and prevent what it described as “a disturbing pattern of impunity among security operatives.”
