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By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Nigerian Army to take decisive action against a soldier identified as Sefiu I., who allegedly stabbed to death a civilian, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, at the entrance of New Jersey City Estate, Opete, Warri, Delta State.
In a petition addressed 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, HURIWA condemned the killing, describing it as “barbaric, senseless, and an extra-judicial execution carried out by a trigger-happy soldier who has brought shame upon the Nigerian Army.”
The rights group, led by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed deep outrage that a serving soldier could “so recklessly take the life of a defenceless civilian,” calling the act “an abominable stain on the image of the military and a shameful betrayal of its constitutional mandate to protect, not persecute, Nigerians.”
According to eyewitness accounts, including that of the deceased’s younger brother, Toshi, the incident occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, when Mr. Nwachukwu and four others arrived at the estate to visit a friend. While other vehicles were cleared to enter, security operatives asked them to contact their host before entry as a directive the victim complied with.
However, while they waited in the car, the soldier allegedly approached and accused Mr. Nwachukwu of trying to force his way into the estate. Despite his explanations, the soldier reportedly slapped him three times before stabbing him multiple times in the ribs and hand, causing severe injuries that led to his death.
HURIWA said the victim, a man in his early thirties, married and a father of two, was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
In the petition signed by Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the association described the killing as a “flagrant violation of Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to life,” and a “gross breach of Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights conventions, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
Onwubiko demanded the “immediate arrest and detention of the soldier,” as well as “a transparent and time-bound court-martial or criminal prosecution for murder.” He also called for a public release of the Army’s investigative findings, a formal apology, and adequate compensation for the victim’s family.
He warned that failure to act within seven working days would compel the association to file a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Nigerian Army for “institutional negligence, complicity, and aiding extra-judicial killings.”
“This cold-blooded execution of an unarmed, innocent Nigerian by a uniformed soldier is not only a moral abomination but a national disgrace,” Onwubiko said. “The Nigerian Army must demonstrate that it remains capable of enforcing discipline within its ranks. The blood of Ugochukwu Nwachukwu cries for justice, and HURIWA will not rest until justice is served.”
He further described the case as “a litmus test for the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights,” warning that any attempt to shield the culprit from justice “would be met with strong legal and civic resistance.”
“Justice for Mr. Ugochukwu Nwachukwu is not only a duty owed to his grieving wife and two young children,” Onwubiko concluded, “but also a moral obligation to restore public confidence in the Nigerian Army and the rule of law.”