In the volatile landscape of Nigeria’s Niger Delta, where oil wealth coexists with simmering tensions between civilians and security forces, a tragic incident has once again thrust the issue of military accountability into the spotlight. On 13 October 2025, a young father named Ugochukwu Oghenekaro—affectionately known as Ugo—was fatally stabbed by a soldier at the gates of a residential estate in Delta State. The Nigerian Army swiftly labelled the killing as an act of self-defence against a “suspected criminal,” but this narrative has been vehemently contested by journalists’ groups, human rights organisations, the victim’s family, and local activists. Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of an unarmed visitor caught in a needless escalation, raising profound questions about extrajudicial killings and the erosion of public trust in the military.
We examine the unfolding scandal in depth, piecing together verified details from credible reports to reveal the discrepancies in accounts, the voices demanding justice, and the broader implications for human rights in Nigeria. Drawing on statements from key stakeholders, we explore how a routine visit turned deadly and why calls for an independent probe are growing louder. In a region scarred by environmental degradation, militancy, and security crackdowns, Ugo’s death is not just a isolated tragedy—it’s a stark reminder of the fragile line between protection and oppression.
The Niger Delta Context: A Powder Keg of Tensions
The Niger Delta, Nigeria’s oil-producing heartland, has long been a hotspot for conflict. Delta State, with its bustling cities like Warri and surrounding communities, grapples with issues ranging from oil spills and economic inequality to sporadic violence. The presence of the Nigerian Army is ostensibly to maintain peace, guard critical infrastructure, and combat criminality such as oil bunkering and kidnapping. However, critics argue that military deployments in civilian areas often lead to overreach, with soldiers accused of harassment, extortion, and disproportionate force.
According to human rights watchdogs, extrajudicial killings by security forces remain a persistent problem in Nigeria, with Amnesty International and local groups documenting hundreds of cases annually. In the Niger Delta, these incidents exacerbate community resentment, fuelling cycles of unrest. Ugo’s killing fits into this troubling pattern, occurring at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Otokutu, Ughelli South Local Government Area—a residential area near Warri, sometimes referred to interchangeably in reports. The estate, described by the Army as a “restricted” zone, employs soldiers for gate security, a common practice in upscale Nigerian communities wary of intrusions.
The Incident: Conflicting Narratives Emerge
The events of 13 October 2025 began innocuously. Ugo, a 30-year-old father of two, was en route to the DMLT Estate with four companions— including blood relatives—to meet a caterer he had hired for his wife’s upcoming birthday celebration. He had reportedly paid ₦500,000 for a cake and decorations, underscoring the visit’s legitimate purpose. Upon arrival at the gate, the group was halted by soldiers for routine checks. What followed, however, diverges sharply depending on whose account one hears.
The Nigerian Army’s version, issued in a statement from the Headquarters of 63 Brigade in Asaba, portrays Ugo as part of an “unruly” group attempting to “force their entry” without proper clearance. Signed by Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations Captain Iliyasu Bawa-Rijau, the statement claims: “The fracas resulted in the death of the suspect, who engaged the soldier on duty in a scuffle, who acted in self-defence.” The soldier, identified as Sefiu I., allegedly used “armed combat skills” to injure Ugo during the altercation. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead. The Army promptly notified the Otu-Jeremi Police Division, urging residents to comply with security protocols.
In stark contrast, eyewitnesses and the family describe a one-sided assault. According to Ugo’s relative Peace Idirima, who was in the vehicle, the group posed no threat and was unarmed. They were waiting for the host to confirm their invitation when Sefiu confronted them aggressively. Reports allege the soldier slapped Ugo multiple times before stabbing him in the ribs and hand, causing his intestines to spill out. Ugo bled out en route to medical care. The family insists Ugo had no criminal record and was not attempting any forcible entry; he was simply a visitor. Adding to the outrage, when relatives confronted the Army at their barracks the next day, their phones were seized to prevent recording, and initial pleas for a peaceful settlement were later overshadowed by the Army’s accusatory statement.
Notably, the method of killing—stabbing with a dagger—has been consistent across accounts, dispelling any early misconceptions of a shooting. The discrepancy in dates (some reports cite 12 October) and estate names (e.g., New Jersey City Estate in one source) may stem from minor reporting variances, but the core facts align on Otokutu near Warri.
Key Players and Their Responses
The soldier at the centre, Sefiu I., remains unnamed in full but is described by activists as having a “history of violent behaviour” based on estate residents’ allegations. The Army has not suspended him, instead exonerating him prematurely without consulting eyewitnesses.
The Journalists for Defence of Human Rights (JDHR), affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Delta State chapter, has led the charge against the Army’s narrative. In a statement signed by JDHR Chairman Michael Ikeogwu (immediate past NUJ chairman) and Secretary Akpokona Omafuaire, they rejected the self-defence claim as “lacking credible evidence.” They argued: “The family of the deceased strongly disputed the claim that Ugo posed any threat… His relatives also alleged that the Army’s narrative is inconsistent with eyewitness accounts.” JDHR demands a transparent probe, including autopsy reports, witness testimonies, and security footage, while urging the suspension of Sefiu pending investigation.
Echoing this, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) condemned the killing as a “barbaric, senseless, and extra-judicial execution.” National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko’s petition to the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs Major General G.U. Chibuisi (with copies to top military brass) issued a seven-day ultimatum for the soldier’s arrest and court-martial, threatening legal action for human rights violations. HURIWA invoked Section 33 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, guaranteeing the right to life, and international charters.
Local activist Israel Joe has been equally vocal, decrying the Army’s “shameless and disgraceful statement” and planning protests. He questioned: “Is stabbing an innocent person a part of your combat skills?” and vowed to deliver Ugo’s corpse to the Army, challenging them to “bury their criminal.” The family, withdrawing from police cooperation, is preparing a lawsuit with evidence like audio recordings and the death certificate.
The Delta State Police have been notified but have not issued public statements, while the Army maintains its stance, with Major General Chibuisi promising to investigate HURIWA’s petition.
Broader Ramifications: A Test for Accountability
This incident underscores systemic issues in Nigeria’s security apparatus. Commentators note that premature exonerations by the military—without independent verification—perpetuate impunity, breeding resentment and potentially escalating conflicts in the Niger Delta. HURIWA’s call for a nationwide review of soldiers’ rules of engagement in civilian spaces is timely, as similar cases, from the Odi massacre in 1999 to recent EndSARS protests, highlight patterns of abuse.
For the community, Ugo’s death is a personal loss: a breadwinner leaving behind a grieving wife and children. It also amplifies fears among residents, who rely on military presence for safety but dread arbitrary violence. Economically, such incidents deter investment in the region, already plagued by underdevelopment despite oil revenues.
From a commentary standpoint, the Army’s rush to label Ugo a criminal without evidence smacks of deflection, undermining its credibility. As Ikeogwu aptly put it, transparency is essential to “restore public confidence.” Balanced against this, the military faces genuine threats in the Delta, but self-defence claims must withstand scrutiny. An independent inquiry, perhaps involving the National Human Rights Commission, could bridge these divides, ensuring justice while addressing security needs.
Towards Justice and Reform
As Delta State mourns Ugochukwu Oghenekaro, the chorus for accountability grows. JDHR, HURIWA, and activists like Israel Joe represent a collective push against extrajudicial impunity, demanding not just punishment for Sefiu I. but systemic change. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration, focused on peace and development, must intervene to prevent escalation.
In the end, Ugo’s story is a call to action: for the Nigerian Army to prioritise human rights, for journalists to keep probing, and for society to demand better. Only through transparent investigations can Nigeria heal its wounds and build a future where security serves, rather than subjugates, its people. Let this tragedy be the catalyst for lasting reform in the Niger Delta and beyond.
