Police arrest soldier who beat civilian to coma

The police in Lagos, on Tuesday arrested a Nigerian Army personnel attached to Real Estate, Bonny camp, for allegedly beating a civilian to a stupor.

The Police Public Relations officer in Lagos, DSP Bala Elkana, confirmed the arrest.
Elkana said: “The soldier was arrested and handed over to military Police for internal disciplinary proceedings and if found wanting he will be returned to the Police for prosecution in conventional Court.
“The civilian who is a power and machine engineer, was taken to hospital and given medical treatment. He is responding to treatment.
“The soldier is a lance corporal attached to Nigerian Army Real Estate, Bonny camp.”
A source told News Agency of Nigeria that the suspect pounced on the victim, one 34-year-old Temitope Oluwafemi, for allegedly causing traffic at Gbagada expressway, Charly Boy Bus stop.
The soldier, who was on mufti riding a motorcycle with army colour accused the victim of causing the traffic obstruction.
The source said: “The soldier came down from his motorcycle and gave a blow to the victim on his eyes and head.
“The victim was bleeding. He threatened every one that wanted to rescue the victim, including two persons in the car.
“After beating him to stupor, he damaged the Lexus car and attempted to go with his bike. The operatives of the Taskforce on environment came to the scene. They arrested the soldier and carry the bike to Anthony Police station.
“They handed the soldier to the Divisional Police Officer, Patricia Amadin and went away with the motorcycle, because the bike was plying restricted road for such bike.
“The victim was rushed to a private hospital within Anthony village but was rejected. The police have to take him to Gbagada General Hospital for treatment.”
NAN learnt that two military policemen came to pick the suspect to the Ikeja Cantonment.