The Nigerian Army has instituted a probe into the alleged extortion and killing of a businesswoman by some soldiers in Katsina State.
Reports indicated that the woman was travelling with about N1.7 million in a commercial vehicle when she was stopped by a local vigilante group apparently on account of the huge sum of money.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in a statement also said that the woman was arrested by members of a local vigilante group in a commercial vehicle, but said she was found with money estimated to be N420,000 around 10pm on Wednesday, May 7, 2021.
Yerima said the businesswoman was arrested by the vigilante group in Yankara village along the Funtua/Gusau Road and then handed over to troops for further investigation.
No further information was heard concerning the woman until it was discovered that she was dead days after.
It was learnt that the victim was buried in a shallow grave, which was discovered later by security operatives in the course of investigation.
The army statement said, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to speculations over the gruesome murder and extortion of a woman in Katsina State. It was alleged that a woman was arrested in a commercial vehicle in possession with money estimated to be N420,000 by members of a local vigilante group on Wednesday, May 7, 2021, around 10pm in Yankara village along the Funtua-Gusau Road and was handed over to troops in order to interrogate the source of the money. Few days later, the woman was said to have been killed by the troops.
“The Nigerian Army, therefore, wishes to inform the general public that it has commenced investigation into the matter and assures the public that anyone found wanting in connection with the allegation will be made to face the full wrath of the law. The Army pleads with the general public to remain calm as it is determined to get to the root of the matter.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to once again reiterate its commitment to the protection of lives and properties of the citizens in accordance with its constitutional responsibility and in strict adherence to the rules of engagement in its operations. Therefore, the Nigerian Army will not tolerate any act of misconduct and unprofessionalism from its personnel.”
