The Nigerian Army has confirmed the detention of Lance Corporal Ahmed Aminu over the alleged fatal assault of a mobile phone repairer, Alkasim Ibrahim, in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Lieutenant Adebayo Adewumi, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 23 Armour Brigade, Yola, said Aminu has been taken into custody pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.

“The Nigerian Army acknowledges the reported incident with deep concern and wishes to inform the public that the said soldier has since been taken into custody,” Adewumi said. “A thorough investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.”

The Army reiterated its stance on professionalism and discipline, stating that misconduct among personnel would not be tolerated. Adewumi assured that the outcome of the investigation would be made public in order to ensure transparency and accountability.

Eyewitnesses in Mayo-Belwa allege that the assault stemmed from a delay in repairing a mobile phone brought to Ibrahim’s workshop by a female customer, said to be the soldier’s girlfriend. According to residents, Aminu reportedly attacked the technician after being contacted by the woman.

One witness, Nuruddeen Abubakar, said, “The boy was just hustling, trying to make ends meet. His only ‘crime’ was not fixing a phone on time. And now, he’s dead.”

Ibrahim was reportedly beaten unconscious and later died from his injuries, prompting public outrage and condemnation from local residents and human rights organisations.

Community members and activists are now demanding full prosecution of the soldier, insisting the matter go beyond internal military discipline.

“This is not just a case of brutality, it’s murder,” said one local human rights group in a statement. “The Nigerian military must ensure the suspect is handed over to civil authorities for prosecution.”

The Army has not confirmed whether Aminu will be transferred to the police for criminal prosecution but maintains that the incident is being treated with the seriousness it deserves.