In response to recent allegations of torture leading to the death of a hotel manager in Umuahia, the Nigerian military has issued a statement on the incident.
The statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau noted that an investigation is ongoing on the matter.
The incident in question involved Cadet Officer Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche of the Nigerian Defence Academy, who was alleged to have drowned at Damgrete Hotel Swimming Facility on April 9, 2024.
Following this, Operation UDO KA in Abia State invited four staff members of the hotel for interrogation to determine the circumstances surrounding Onyemereche’s death.
According to the military’s account, after the interrogation, the hotel staff were released unharmed.
However, later information indicated that one of the individuals who had been questioned complained of health issues and was rushed to Federal Medical Center Umuahia, where he was confirmed dead on 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.”
