On Sunday, the Nigerian military announced the arrest of personnel implicated in the interrogation that resulted in the death of Achimugu James Etubi, section manager of Hotel Royal Damgrete in Umuahia, Abia State.
According to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information, preliminary investigations are underway to determine the true cause of Etubi’s demise. Allegations surfaced that members of the Nigerian Army subjected him to severe torture, leading to his death, following the reported drowning of Nigerian Air Force cadet CDT Chidiebere in the hotel’s swimming pool.
Gusau assured that if any military personnel are found responsible for the manager’s death, they will face legal consequences. He emphasized the military’s commitment to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Etubi’s passing.
The incident stemmed from the alleged drowning of Cadet Officer Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche of the Nigerian Defence Academy at Damgrete Hotel Swimming Facility on April 9, 2024. Operation UDO KA in Abia State had summoned four hotel staff for questioning regarding the cadet’s death. While initially released unharmed, one of the staff members later complained of health issues and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Federal Medical Center Umuahia.
Operation UDO KA extended condolences to the family of the deceased and pledged to ensure accountability for any personnel found culpable in Etubi’s death. The military reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law and conducting a transparent investigation into the tragic incident.
