Joseph Okpe, a 43-year-old commercial bus driver, has died after allegedly being beaten by officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) along the Oshodi-Apapa expressway in Lagos.
The incident happened on May 9, 2026 following a dispute
over a traffic incident involving a vehicle belonging to the NAF officers.
According to Punch, Innocent Okpe, deceased’s brother, deposed
to an affidavit deposed at the high court of the Federal Capital Territory
(FCT) in the Maitama judicial division, over the matter.
In the affidavit, the deceased’s brother said Okpe was
driving his commercial bus when he was accosted by NAF personnel travelling in
a Coaster bus with registration number GO 1–14AF.
The officers allegedly accused him of hitting their vehicle
and demanded N100,000 as compensation for the damage.
The officers were alleged to have started beating and
punching the commercial bus driver’s face when could not provide the money.
Okpe, a father of three and a wife, was said to have nearly
lost consciousness during the punching of his face by the NAF officers
The officers reportedly stopped the beating after passers-by
and other commercial bus drivers intervened.
The passers-by were said to have offered N50,000
compensation to the NAF personnel.
According to the affidavit, Okpe was rushed to several
hospitals where he was reportedly rejected after the NAF personnel left the
scene and continued their journey.
A source told the publication that Okpe was eventually taken
to Charing Cross Clinic in Mushin, Lagos, where he was pronounced dead at about
5pm.
A medical certificate of cause of death signed by Okechukwu
Ogboo, a medical doctor at Charing Cross Clinic, Mushin listed the primary
cause of death as “severe head injury,” while the secondary cause was stated as
“pulmonary failure until his death”.
NAF SPEAKS
When TheCable reached out to Ehimen Ejodame, NAF
spokesperson, for enquiry over the matter, Ejodame said the airforce was
currently investigating the case.
Ejodame said the suspected NAF personnel involved in the
case were immediately taken to the custody.
“The Nigerian Air Force is aware of the reported incident
and is deeply saddened by the loss of life,” the NAF spokesperson said.
“Upon receiving information on the matter, the personnel
suspected to be involved were immediately taken into custody, and the case is
currently under investigation by the appropriate civil and military
authorities.
“The NAF has also extended its condolences to the family of
the deceased and visited them to express sympathy and support during this
difficult time.
“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.”
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