A Nigerian soldier has been accused of assaulting a journalist, Olalekan Fakoyejo, during a traffic-related altercation in Ikeja, Lagos, with a video of the incident circulating widely on social media.
According to a report by TheCable, the incident occurred on Saturday, May 2, as Fakoyejo was travelling from Ikeja to Ogba in a commercial tricycle, commonly known as “Keke Napep.”
Soldiers were reportedly managing traffic near an event centre off Ajao Road when one of them stopped a tricycle operator and allegedly ordered him to pick up a soldier as a form of punishment. The directive was said to have worsened congestion in the area.
Fakoyejo’s tricycle became stuck in the gridlock, prompting him to remark to fellow passengers that the soldier’s action had contributed to the traffic buildup.
A soldier who reportedly overheard the comment then ordered Fakoyejo and other passengers to disembark. The journalist was allegedly singled out, dragged aside, and confronted.
Despite attempting to explain himself, Fakoyejo was directed to meet other soldiers at the scene. However, as he tried to address another approaching officer, the soldier allegedly slapped him.
Eyewitness footage showed the soldier pushing the journalist repeatedly and attempting to strike him with a stick. During the scuffle, Fakoyejo’s mobile phone reportedly fell to the ground and broke.
The incident has since sparked reactions online, with calls for accountability over the conduct of security personnel.
