The Abia State Police Command on Monday said it began discreet investigation into the alleged murder of the Manager of Royal Damgrete Hotel, Umuahia, James Etubi, by suspected soldiers.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement in Umuahia on Monday.

Ms Chinaka stated that the command’s detectives visited the hospital, took pictures of the deceased while the body was undergoing autopsy.

She added that the hotel director on Friday alleged in a report at the Central Police State, Umuahia, that four military men came to their hotel on Factory Road, Umuahia, took away four of his staff members and beat them up.

According to Ms Chinaka, the incident resulted in varying degrees of injury.

She said, “One of the staff members, James Etubi, slumped and was rushed to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by a doctor. His body has been deposited at the hospital mortuary.’’

She explained that the incident happened in the aftermath of the death of a cadet officer, who allegedly drowned at the hotel’s swimming pool on April 9.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army said it was deeply concerned by the alleged “unprofessional conduct” of some of its men in the tragic death of the hotel manager.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this in a statement to journalists.

Mr Nwachukwu said that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, had promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts and bring to book anyone found culpable in the matter.

He said that the army extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased hotel manager and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet, Emmanuel Onyemereche.

The army spokesman assured the public that efforts would be made to ensure that justice was served in the matter.

He stated, “The army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any official found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions. Furthermore, the Nigerian Army reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout the country.

“The Nigerian Army is resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice and we will keep the public informed at the conclusion of the investigation.”

(NAN)