Rights Activist, Israel Joe, Blasts Army Over Killing of Delta Youth, Demands Justice

Civil rights advocate, Comrade Israel Joe, has condemned the Nigerian Army’s statement defending a soldier accused of killing a young man identified as Mr. Ugo at the Delta Marine Logistics and Technical (DMLT) Estate in Opete, Delta State, describing the military’s version of events as “shameful” and “an attempt to cover up murder.”

In a press release issued on Wednesday, Joe expressed “uttermost dismay and disappointment” over the Army’s explanation that the deceased was a “suspected criminal” who was killed in self-defence by a soldier attached to the 63 Brigade, Asaba, during a confrontation on October 13, 2025.

“Your brazen murderer killed Mr. Ugo in cold blood, in the presence of his brothers, yet you have the audacity to label him a criminal,” Joe stated.
“The said Ugo had no criminal record and was never prosecuted by any law enforcement agency. This is nothing but an attempt to justify a clear act of murder.”

The activist accused the Army of conducting a “shabby and one-sided investigation”, alleging that eyewitnesses — including the victim’s brothers — were never invited to give statements.

“Is it possible that all five brothers in the same car were on a criminal mission? If he was indeed a criminal, why did the soldier flee after stabbing him?” Joe queried.

He announced that civil society groups would write to the Minister of Defence and stage a peaceful protest, during which they plan to hand over the victim’s corpse to the Nigerian Army for burial.

“We shall not rest until justice is done. The era of intimidation is over,” Joe declared.

The 63 Brigade, Asaba, had earlier stated that the deceased was among a group that tried to force entry into the estate without clearance, leading to a scuffle in which the soldier allegedly acted in self-defence. The Army also said it had notified the Otu-Jeremi Police Division and maintained that it remains committed to human rights and due process.