The family of a slain National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, has publicly challenged the Nigerian Army’s account of his death, insisting that he was shot inside his room, not caught in crossfire as earlier claimed by military authorities.
The controversy follows an official statement by the Guards Brigade of the Nigerian Army, which stated that the 24-year-old corps member died during a gun battle between troops and suspected armed robbers in the early hours of April 25, 2026, at Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, Abuja.
However, in a strongly worded rebuttal issued on behalf of the family, the military’s version was dismissed as inaccurate and misleading, with claims that the circumstances surrounding the killing point to a fatal error by security operatives.
According to the family, soldiers allegedly entered the residential premises at about 2:00 a.m. and fired a shot through the closed door of Abdulsamad’s room, killing him instantly.
“They shot him through the door. The bullet trajectory clearly shows it came from outside into the room. This was not crossfire,” the family stated.
The family maintained that Abdulsamad was alone in his room at the time of the incident, while his sister was elsewhere in the house. Their parents were said to be out of town attending a burial.
Raising further concerns, the family alleged that the handling of the scene raises serious questions about accountability and due process.
“Vigilante members who arrived were instructed to clean up blood stains. That raises serious concerns about preservation of evidence,” the statement added.
They also claimed that military personnel at the scene admitted the shooting was a mistake and acknowledged that the victim was innocent — an admission reportedly made in the presence of police officers.
These claims directly contradict the Army’s earlier position that the corps member was a victim of a volatile exchange of gunfire during an anti-robbery operation.
The incident has triggered widespread concern, with the family demanding a transparent and independent investigation to establish the true circumstances surrounding the killing.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has assured that a thorough investigation is ongoing and pledged that its findings will be made public.
The remains of Abdulsamad Jamiu have since been deposited at Kubwa General Hospital, as calls for justice and accountability continue to grow.