Residents demand justice after businessman allegedly shot by soldier in Adamawa

Residents of Mubi in Adamawa State have called for justice after a businessman, Suleiman Abu, was allegedly shot by a soldier during a military patrol in Mubi North Local Government Area.

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:40 p.m. on Sunday as the victim was returning home on an electric motorcycle.

According to residents, Abu noticed soldiers on patrol and, fearing he could be arrested because of the restriction on motorcycle movement between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., turned back and headed home before the curfew took effect.

Witnesses alleged that after he parked his motorcycle and attempted to lock the gate to his residence, a soldier who had followed him opened fire at close range. The bullet reportedly grazed his shoulder before striking his lower jaw, leaving him seriously injured.

Neighbours who responded to the gunshot reportedly apprehended the soldier, but he was later released following the intervention of military superiors and community leaders.

The injured businessman was first taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Mubi, before being transferred to the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital in Yola, where he is receiving treatment.

The incident has sparked outrage across Mubi, with residents arguing that even if the victim had violated the motorcycle restriction, he should have been arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law rather than being shot.

Community members also stressed that security personnel must exercise restraint and adhere to established rules of engagement while carrying out their duties.

One resident described the shooting as a betrayal of the trust residents have built with security agencies despite years of insurgency in the area, insisting that those responsible should be held accountable.

Attempts to obtain an official response from the Commander of Sector 4 of Operation Hadin Kai were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the 23 Armoured Brigade in Yola said he was not authorised to comment on the incident, noting that only the military headquarters in Abuja could issue an official statement.

In response to the shooting, residents staged a peaceful protest through major streets in Mubi, carrying placards and demanding justice for the victim before proceeding to the Emir’s Palace to present their grievances.

Speaking on behalf of the Emir of Mubi, the Sadaukin Mubi, Alhaji Adamu Barkido, assured the protesters that the emirate would pursue the matter with the appropriate authorities until justice is achieved.

A team of lawyers led by Barrister M.A. Luguja also visited the victim in hospital and pledged to represent him free of charge. The legal team said it would petition several government and military institutions, including the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army Headquarters and the National Human Rights Commission.

The lawyers further announced plans to file a fundamental rights enforcement suit, alleging violations of the victim’s constitutional rights, including his rights to life, dignity, personal liberty and private and family life under the 1999 Constitution.