Two personnel from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and two civilians have been arrested in connection with the murder of Joseph Fada, a petrol station attendant in Kaduna. The incident, which has sparked outrage in the state, occurred after Fada was accused of stealing N335,000 from fuel sales at the Albash filling station along Kaduna Airport road.
According to the Kaduna State Police Command, the arrest followed a thorough investigation into the events that led to the victim’s death. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, confirmed to Channels Television that two NAF personnel, Archibong Udoh and Ayodele Blessing, were arrested along with the manager of the filling station, Amina Abdurrazaq, and the owner of a local medicine store where the victim was taken after being tortured.
Sources revealed that Fada was handed over to the Air Force officers at a checkpoint by the filling station manager, Abdurrazaq, after being accused of stealing the N335,000. According to police reports, Fada was detained by the two Air Force officers from the 413 Force Protection Group of the NAF in Kaduna, where he was reportedly subjected to severe torture.
The victim was allegedly beaten to the point of unconsciousness. In a desperate attempt to save his life, the suspects rushed him to a local medicine store. Unfortunately, Fada died while receiving treatment at the store.
The case has since been transferred from the Airport Division of the police to a special team for further investigation. Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan assured the public that the Nigerian Air Force is working closely with the police to ensure that justice is served.
“We are fully committed to making sure that justice is done in this case. The suspects are currently in custody, and we are working with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure the truth comes to light,” Hassan stated.
The arrests of the NAF personnel and civilians followed shortly after an initial investigation revealed that the victim had been tortured overnight. The police are focusing on uncovering the full extent of the role each suspect played in the tragic death.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Air Force is a respected institution, but the involvement of its officers in this case is likely to stir concerns about accountability within the armed forces. It also brings attention to the broader issue of human rights abuses, especially involving security personnel, which has been a topic of growing concern in the country.
The case has put the spotlight on the need for stricter oversight and more transparent conduct within Nigeria’s security agencies. Meanwhile, the police are urging the public to remain patient as they continue their investigation.
As the investigation continues, the Nigerian Air Force has expressed its commitment to fully cooperate with the police to ensure justice for Joseph Fada and his family.
