Alleged Assault By Soldiers In Deputy Speaker’s Convoy, Concerned Citizen Calls For Caution, Transparent Probe

Public affairs commentator, Chief Emenike Okorie, has called for caution and a transparent investigation into allegations that soldiers attached to the convoy of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, assaulted a civilian at Ata Ibeku, Umuahia.

According to an eyewitness account made available on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, a Coaster bus in the Deputy Speaker’s convoy was involved in an accident with a Lexus 300 Jeep reportedly belonging to the son of HRM Eze Sir Alen Onyenucheya Okpokri, Ede 1 of Emede Ibeku.

The eyewitness alleged that soldiers in the convoy dragged the driver out of the vehicle, physically assaulted him, and took him away.

In a statement, Chief Okorie said the incident raises serious questions about the conduct of security personnel attached to public officials.

He noted a similar allegation on the same day in Igbere, where a young man was allegedly beaten by soldiers and his phone seized.

“If these allegations are false, then the appropriate authorities should say so and provide the facts. If they are true, then those responsible should be held accountable,” Okorie stated.

He listed key questions demanding answers:
Who authorised the soldiers’ intervention? Was the driver arrested? Where was he taken? What offence was he accused of? Was the matter reported to police? Was medical attention provided? Has any investigation commenced?

Okorie stressed that while public officials deserve security, that security must not be used to intimidate citizens.

“Security personnel are expected to protect lives, maintain order and enforce the law. They should not be perceived as private enforcers,” he said.

He cited Governor Alex Otti, as an example of leadership that demands discipline and restraint from convoys.

“The bigger the office, the greater the obligation to demonstrate restraint. Nigeria is a democracy, not a military regime. The roads, the laws and the country belong to the people,” Okorie added.

As of press time, there has been no official reaction from the office of the Deputy Speaker or the Nigerian Army.

Chief Okorie urged authorities to conduct a transparent investigation and make findings public in the interest of justice and public trust.