The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned in the strongest term the gruesome and cold-blooded murder of a young man, Mr. Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, allegedly stabbed to death by a soldier identified by his name tag as “Sefiu I.” at the entrance of New Jersey City Estate, Opete, Warri, Delta State.

In a strongly-worded petition addressed to the Chief of Civil–Military Affairs, Major General G. U. Chibuisi, and copied to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, the frontline civil rights advocacy group described the killing as “a barbaric, senseless, and extra-judicial execution carried out by a trigger-happy soldier who has brought shame upon the Nigerian Army.”

The Association expressed deep outrage that a serving soldier could so recklessly take the life of a defenceless civilian, describing the act as “an abominable stain on the image of the military and a shameful betrayal of its constitutional mandate to protect, not persecute, Nigerians.”

HURIWA disclosed that, according to credible eyewitness accounts including that of the deceased’s younger brother, Toshi, the tragic incident occurred on Sunday, October 12, 2025, when the victim and four others drove into the estate to visit a friend. While two vehicles (a GLK and a Sienna) were being allowed into the estate, security operatives flagged down their car for routine checks and instructed them to contact their host before entry; a directive which Mr. Nwachukwu immediately complied with by calling his friend, who confirmed his visit and was already on her way to the gate.

Shockingly, while they waited peacefully in the car, an armed soldier attached to the estate, identified as “Sefiu I.”, approached and accused the deceased of attempting to force his way into the premises. Despite repeated explanations that he was a legitimate visitor, the soldier allegedly slapped him three times before drawing a dagger and stabbing him multiple times in the ribs and hand, causing his intestines to spill out.

Despite desperate efforts to rush him to the hospital, Mr. Nwachukwu; said to be in his early thirties, married, and a father of two, was confirmed dead on arrival.

In its petition signed by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the killing as a “flagrant violation of Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees the right to life,” and a “gross breach of Nigeria’s obligations under international human rights conventions, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”

The group stated that it was “deeply appalled that a uniformed soldier, constitutionally mandated to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and protect civilians, turned his weapon and training against an innocent citizen who committed no crime.”

HURIWA demanded the immediate arrest and detention of the soldier, the commencement of a transparent and time-bound court-martial or criminal prosecution for murder, and the public disclosure of the Army’s investigative findings. It also urged the Nigerian Army to issue a formal apology and provide adequate compensation to the deceased’s family.

The rights group gave the Nigerian Army a seven-working-day ultimatum to act decisively on the matter, warning that failure to do so would compel it to institute a fundamental human rights enforcement suit against the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Nigerian Army for institutional negligence, complicity, and aiding extra-judicial killings.

“This cold-blooded execution of an unarmed, innocent Nigerian by a uniformed soldier is not only a moral abomination but a national disgrace,” the petition read in part. “The Nigerian Army must demonstrate that it remains capable of enforcing discipline within its ranks. The blood of Ugochukwu Nwachukwu cries for justice, and HURIWA will not rest until justice is served.”

The group further described the killing as “a litmus test for the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights,” warning that any attempt to shield the culprit from justice would be met with strong legal and civic resistance.

“Justice for Mr. Ugochukwu Nwachukwu is not only a duty owed to his grieving wife and two young children,” HURIWA concluded, “but also a moral obligation to restore public confidence in the Nigerian Army and the rule of law.”