The Nigerian Army has confirmed the detention of Lance Corporal Ahmed Aminu for allegedly k!lling a mobile phone repairer, Alkasim Ibrahim, in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
The incident which occurred on Friday, July 4, 2025 has triggered public outrage and condemnation from local residents and human rights organisations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 5, 20, Lieutenant Adebayo Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 23 Armour Brigade, Yola, said Aminu had been taken into custody pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.
“The Nigerian Army acknowledges the reported incident with deep concern and wishes to inform the public that the said soldier has since been taken into custody,” Adewumi said.
“A thorough investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.”
The Army reiterated its stance on professionalism and discipline, stating that misconduct among personnel would not be tolerated. Adewumi assured that the outcome of the investigation would be made public in order to ensure transparency and accountability.
Eyewitnesses in Mayo-Belwa allege that the assault stemmed from a delay in repairing a mobile phone brought to Ibrahim’s workshop by a female customer, said to be the soldier’s girlfriend. According to residents, Aminu reportedly attacked the technician after being contacted by the woman
“The boy was just hustling, trying to make ends meet. His only ‘crime’ was not fixing a phone on time. And now, he’s d3ad,” one witness, Nuruddeen Abubakar, said.
Ibrahim was reportedly beaten unconscious and later d!ed from his injuries, prompting public outrage and condemnation from local residents and human rights organisations.
Community members and activists are now demanding full prosecution of the soldier, insisting the matter go beyond internal military discipline.
