Two Nigerian Army personnel are on the run after allegedly torturing a mason, identified only as Yahaya, to death in the Ikotun area of Lagos State over an unresolved construction contract.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, and was disclosed in a police wireless communication obtained by SaharaReporters.
According to the report, Yahaya was hired in June by 23-year-old Olamide Sodiq Adeosun, a resident of Atan in Ogun State, to carry out a plaster of Paris (POP) ceiling installation at his house opposite Aso Rock Hotel on Abaranje Road, Ikotun. Yahaya was allegedly paid N1.5 million for the job but reportedly vanished without completing the work.
On July 2, Adeosun spotted Yahaya near his house and called in a soldier identified as Sergeant Balogun for help in recovering the money. Balogun arrived at the scene with another unidentified military colleague. The two soldiers allegedly forced Yahaya to undergo a strenuous punishment exercise known as “frog jump.”
During the ordeal, Yahaya collapsed and was rushed to Isolo General Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
Following the incident, the two soldiers allegedly fled the scene.
Police from the Ikotun Division, led by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), visited the location, documented evidence, and moved the deceased’s body to the Mainland General Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
Adeosun has since been arrested in connection with the incident. Police say efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing soldiers. The case is expected to be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
The police signal confirming the incident read in part:
“On 02/07/2025 at about 1800hrs, one Olamide Sodiq Adeosun ‘M’ aged 23 of No. 26 Tomori Street, Atan, Ogun State, reported that he gave one Yahaya ‘M’ (surname unknown) N1.5 million last month to carry out a POP job at his residence. Yahaya disappeared after payment. On sighting him near his house around noon on July 2, he invited an Army Sergeant Balogun, who arrived with a colleague. They instructed Yahaya to do ‘frog jump.’ He collapsed and was rushed to Isolo Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a doctor. The soldiers fled. Detectives visited the scene. Corpse deposited for autopsy. Suspect arrested. Manhunt underway for accomplices.”
Police say the investigation is ongoing and more updates will follow as new information emerges.
