We’ve arrested personnel involved in interrogating late Abia hotel manager – Military

The Nigerian military on Sunday said it has arrested personnel involved in the interrogation process that led to the death of Achimugu James Etubi, section manager of Hotel Royal Damgrete, Umuahia, Abia State.

The military announced that a preliminary investigation is ongoing to ascertain the actual cause of Etubi’s death.

Some personnel of the Nigerian Army were alleged to have brutally tortured him to death after a Nigerian Air Force cadet reportedly drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool.

The NAF Tarmac Four cadet, simply identified as CDT Chidiebere, had reportedly died on Tuesday in the swimming pool.

In a statement signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director Defence Information, the army said that if any of its personnel is found culpable in the death of the manager, such personnel will face the full wrath of the law.

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Gusau said no stone will be left unturned to unravel the actual circumstances that led to his death.

“It could be recalled that Cadet Officer Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche of Nigerian Defence Academy was alleged to have drowned at Damgrete Hotel Swimming Facility on Tuesday 9 of April 2024. Subsequently, Operation UDO KA in Abia State invited four staff of the hotel for interrogation to ascertain the actual cause of his death. After questioning, they were released to go. As at when they were released nothing happened to any of them. They all left for their destination unharmed, hale and healthy. However, information later received from the hotel was that one of the four workers invited for the questioning complained of his health and was rushed to Federal Medical Center Umuahia where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

“While it is heartbreaking and unfortunate to hear about the news of the demise of one of the staff, Operation UDO KA as a professional military organisation that operates within the ambit of the laws, has arrested all personnel involved in the interrogation process and preliminary investigation ongoing to ascertain the actual cause of death of the said hotel staff.

“The Operation UDO KA wishes to condole with the immediate and extended family on the demise of their beloved son and also wishes to assure the entire family that if any of its personnel is found culpable in the death of the manager, such personnel will face the full wrath of the law as no stone will be left unturned to unravel the actual circumstances that led to his death,” he said.