*Navy: It’s a domestic accident
A shock wave reverberated through Sir Tamandu
Barracks, Apapa, Lagos State, where the Fleet Commander of Western Naval
Command, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Teikumo Daniel Ikoli was found dead in his
apartment.
The death of Ikoli has been described as mysterious.
While some people in the area said he was assassinated, others insisted that he
commit suicide.
The Admiral was found yesterday morning, with a
pistol lying on top of his chest. He appeared to have shot himself in the mouth
and placed the gun on his chest.
The mystery of his death continued, after some naval
officials revealed that Ikoli had guards attached to him. Questions are now
being asked, where the guard were when he was murdered or committed suicide.
It is also yet unsure whether he lives alone or with
his wife and kids.
Those who said he was assassinated explained that
there was no way he could have killed himself and placed the gun on his chest.
According to sources, Ikoli, before his death, was
attached to NNS Beecroft, Marine Beach. He was also said to have recently being
promoted to his present rank.
When our correspondent got to the scene at Apapa,
naval officers stationed at the gate of the barracks, said they were not aware
of the incident.
Speaking on the matter, the Lagos State Police
Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olarinde Famous-Cole, said: “There is an
ongoing investigation related to the incident please.”
A resident in
the area said he knew something was wrong after he heard a gunshot at the early
hours of yesterday.
The source said: “He was murdered in his apartment.
Something said he killed himself. A bullet was shot into his mouth and a pistol
placed on his chest. I have worked with him. I can tell you that he’s a very
nice man. I know that he had security guards attached to him. I’m surprised
that nobody has been arrested over his death. I don’t know anything about his
wife or children.”
It was further heard that Ikoli was appointed into
the presidential committee on the probe of arms deal.
Another naval officer, who worked with him said: “His
wife is in Abuja and his children school abroad. His orderly and Naval
Assistant (NA) usually leave after dropping him. The bullet hit him on the
chest. Three bullets were seen in his room. No one can really tell what
happened but the position he was seen suggests he might have been scared of
something or someone.”
In a statement made available to journalists, the
command’s information officer, Lieutenant Commander Chinwe Umar, described the
matter as domestic accident.
She added: “In the early hours of Wednesday, April
5, gunshots were heard in the vicinity where Rear Admiral Teikumo Daniel Ikoli
resides in Apapa. When his room was opened, he was found dead. Police have been
invited and investigation is ongoing. When the situation is clearer, an update
would be given.”
If investigations reveal that Ikoli committed
suicide, it would be second shocking incident in less than a month.
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