Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigerian Air Force has taken into custody all personnel suspected to be involved in the death of a 43‑year‑old commercial bus driver, Joseph Okpe, who died after allegedly being assaulted by a group of military officers along the Oshodi‑Apapa Expressway in Lagos. The Air Force disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement by its spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirming that the personnel linked to the incident have been detained and that a full investigation is underway.
The incident occurred on May 9, 2026, following a minor traffic dispute involving a Coaster bus belonging to the officers, with registration number GO 1‑14AF, according to an affidavit filed before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama Judicial Division, by the deceased’s brother, Innocent Okpe. The affidavit stated that Joseph Okpe was driving his commercial bus when he was accosted by the Air Force personnel, who accused him of hitting their vehicle and demanded ₦100,000 as compensation for the damage. When Okpe could not immediately provide the money, the officers allegedly descended on him, repeatedly punching and battering his face and head until he nearly lost consciousness.
Further findings from an eyewitness, as reported by PUNCH Metro, revealed that the damage to the military bus was valued at less than ₦7,000. However, the officers insisted on the ₦100,000 demand, and the assault continued until passersby and fellow commercial drivers intervened. When Okpe’s colleagues noticed that the officers had become more vicious, they raised ₦50,000 and paid it to the officers, who then ceased the attack and continued their journey. Okpe was later rushed to several hospitals but was reportedly denied treatment. He was eventually taken to Charing Cross Clinic in Mushin, Lagos, where he was pronounced dead at about 5 p.m. on the same day, a source familiar with the matter told NewsWatch Metro.
A Medical Certificate of Cause of Death signed by Dr Okechukwu Ogboo of Charing Cross Clinic, dated May 13, 2026, listed the primary cause of death as “severe head injury” and the secondary cause as “pulmonary failure until his death.” Okpe is survived by his wife and three young children.
Reacting to the incident, Air Commodore Ejodame said the Air Force is “deeply saddened by the loss of life” and that the personnel suspected to be involved were immediately taken into custody upon receiving information on the matter. “The case is currently under investigation by the appropriate civil and military authorities,” he stated, adding that the NAF has extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and visited them to express sympathy and support. “As investigations are ongoing, it would be inappropriate to make further comments at this stage. The Nigerian Air Force remains committed to due process, accountability and the rule of law.”
The case was first reported at the Ilasa Police Division before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti, Yaba, for further investigation. The Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Abimbola Adebisi, said she would look into the incident and provide an update, while the matter continues to draw public concern over allegations of excessive force against civilians by security personnel in Lagos.
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