The Nigerian Air Force has taken into custody all personnel suspected to be involved in the death of commercial bus driver Joseph Okpe, who allegedly died after being assaulted by a group of officers along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway in Lagos.
The incident occurred on May 9 following a minor traffic accident involving the officers’ Coaster bus. According to an eyewitness and an affidavit filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Okpe was accosted by Air Force personnel travelling in a bus with registration number GO 1–14AF. Damage to the military vehicle was reportedly valued at less than N7,000, but the officers allegedly demanded N100,000 as compensation.
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The assault continued until passersby and fellow drivers intervened. When the officers became more violent, Okpe’s colleagues raised N50,000 and paid it to the officers before they stopped the attack and left. Okpe, 43, was taken to Charing Cross Clinic in Mushin but was rejected by several medical facilities before being declared dead a few hours later. A medical report indicated he suffered a severe head injury. He is survived by his wife and three children.
The Air Force spokesperson, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, confirmed that the suspected personnel were immediately detained and the case is under both military and civil investigation. He said the Air Force extended condolences to the family and visited them to express sympathy and support.
Ejodame added that further comments would be inappropriate while investigations are ongoing. He stated that the Air Force remains committed to due process, accountability and the rule of law, and that more information will be provided after the investigations are concluded.
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