A tragic case of alleged extra-judicial killing has sparked outrage in Warri, Delta State, after a military personnel reportedly stabbed a young father of two, Mr Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, to death at the entrance of New Jersey City Estate, Opete, Warri.

The soldier, identified by eyewitnesses as “Sefiu I.”, was said to have slapped the victim several times before stabbing him multiple times in the ribs and hand, causing his intestines to spill out.

The Guardian learnt that the 30-year-old victim, who was visiting a friend, died before reaching the hospital.

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), in a strongly worded petition to the Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Major General G. U. Chibuisi, and copied to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, condemned the killing as “barbaric, senseless, and an extra-judicial execution.”

According to the petition signed by HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, the deceased and four companions were visiting a friend at the estate on October 12, 2025, when soldiers at the gate asked them to confirm their invitation. While waiting for the host to arrive, the armed soldier allegedly confronted Nwachukwu, accused him of trying to force entry, and attacked him despite explanations that he was a legitimate visitor.

The group expressed deep outrage over what it called “an abominable stain on the image of the military and a shameful betrayal of its constitutional duty to protect citizens.”

“This cold-blooded execution of an unarmed, innocent Nigerian by a uniformed soldier is not only a moral abomination but a national disgrace. The Nigerian Army must demonstrate that it remains capable of enforcing discipline within its ranks. The blood of Ugochukwu Nwachukwu cries for justice,” the petition stated.

HURIWA demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the soldier, a transparent court-martial, and a public apology to the deceased’s family. It also gave the Army a seven-day ultimatum to act or face a lawsuit for fundamental human rights violations and institutional negligence.

The group invoked Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to life, and international conventions such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, describing the killing as a “flagrant violation of Nigeria’s human rights obligations.”

When contacted, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, denied any wrongdoing, claiming the deceased was part of a group that tried to forcibly enter a restricted area.

He told The Guardian that the incident occurred at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical Estate (DMLT), not New Jersey Estate.

“A tense confrontation between a soldier and a suspected criminal occurred when individuals attempted to force their way into the premises without clearance,” the Army stated. “The suspect engaged the soldier in a violent scuffle, prompting the soldier to act in self-defence.”

According to him, the injured individual was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead. The Army said the Otu-Jeremi Police Division had been informed and urged residents to “remain law-abiding and subject themselves to checks in line with existing standard operating procedures.”

Despite the Army’s defence, the human rights group maintained that enough is enough regarding military brutality and lack of accountability in civil spaces. It argued that repeated cases of excessive force by security personnel undermine public trust in the military and weaken Nigeria’s human rights record.

Accordingly, the Warri incident poses a litmus test for the Army’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and respect for civilian life, as Nigerians await an independent investigation into the killing.

As the family of the late Ugochukwu Nwachukwu mourns their loss, HURIWA called for a nationwide review of rules of engagement for soldiers in civilian settings, warning that impunity will only breed further violence and public resentment.

“Justice for Ugochukwu is not only a duty owed to his grieving wife and two children, but also a moral obligation to restore public confidence in the Nigerian Army and the rule of law,” the group added.

Meanwhile, Major General G.U. Chibuisi has promised to investigate the petition.