Crime

Lagos Artisan Dies After Soldier’s Brutal ‘Discipline’ Over ₦1.5M POP Job Dispute

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 15th, 2025.

Lagos Artisan Dies After Soldier’s Brutal ‘Discipline’ Over ₦1.5M POP Job Dispute

A ₦1.5M POP Deal. A Military Man’s Involvement. A Life Lost.

What began as a standard plaster ceiling job in the Ikotun area of Lagos has spiraled into a devastating tragedy. The artisan at the heart of it, known as Yahaya, is now dead — and the community is demanding answers.

According to eyewitnesses and local police, Yahaya was allegedly tortured to death after a client, Olamide Sodiq Adeosun, brought in a Nigerian Army sergeant, Balogun Oluwafemi, to settle a business disagreement.

💸 A Job Gone Wrong

The controversy reportedly began when Adeosun contracted Yahaya to install Plaster of Paris (POP) ceilings in a residential property opposite Aso Rock Hotel on Abaranje Road. The deal was worth ₦1.5 million.

However, after receiving payment, Yahaya allegedly abandoned the job midway and became unreachable. Left without his money or an explanation, Adeosun sought help — but not from the police or the courts.

🪖 Uniformed Muscle

Rather than pursuing a legal route, Adeosun allegedly turned to a friend in the military. What followed, witnesses say, wasn’t negotiation but force. Sergeant Balogun Oluwafemi, accompanied by another unidentified soldier, reportedly detained Yahaya and forced him to do strenuous “frog jumps” under the scorching Lagos sun — an apparent form of extrajudicial punishment.

Tragically, Yahaya collapsed during this ordeal. Efforts to resuscitate him failed, and he was rushed to Isolo General Hospital, where doctors confirmed he had died before arrival.

🚔 Police Launch Investigation

Officers from the Ikotun Division responded promptly. Yahaya’s body was moved to the Mainland Hospital in Yaba for autopsy, while Adeosun was taken into custody. Authorities say the investigation will also examine the involvement of the military personnel in Yahaya’s death.

As of now, the Nigerian Army has not issued a public response.

😡 Public Outcry

Anger is growing across Lagos, particularly in Ikotun and Abaranje, where the event took place. Locals have described Yahaya’s death as an outrageous abuse of military power in a civilian matter.

> “This wasn’t an armed robbery. It was a contract issue — and they killed him?” said Wasiu, a mechanic in Abaranje.

“Why do people keep using soldiers to handle private fights? It’s dangerous,” added Ife, a university student.

🚨 A Troubling Trend

Yahaya’s death sheds light on a concerning trend: civilians using military force to resolve private disputes. From business disagreements to landlord-tenant issues, some Nigerians now call on soldiers instead of going through legal channels — a practice that’s not only unlawful but increasingly deadly.

This isn’t an isolated case. And Lagosians are saying enough is enough.

⚖️ Justice Must Be Served

There are growing calls for the Nigerian Army to address the situation transparently and ensure that any officers involved face consequences. Human rights advocates and civic groups are also urging the police to prosecute the case fully — not let it fade into silence like so many before it.

Yahaya deserved due process. He deserved to live.

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Key Issues at a Glance

🚨 Incident ❗ Legal Violation

Military called for civil dispute Misuse of authority

Torture as punishment Human rights abuse

Civilian death Possible manslaughter

No Army statement yet Growing public distrust

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What People Are Demanding:

A public statement from the Nigerian Army

Full investigation and accountability