A Nigerian Air Force personnel, Wulumba A.S., has died while serving punishment in a guardroom at the Special Operations Command (SOC) in Bauchi. The tragedy has sparked public concern over the handling of his detention and the treatment of military personnel.
According to SaharaReporters, Wulumba, a member of the 2003 regular intake with service number NAF 03/21103, was detained on May 4, 2025, for arriving late to duty. He had informed his superiors that he was unwell, but the commanding officer, Group Captain Ofile, reportedly ordered his confinement regardless.
His sister, Numdarai Joy Wulumba, revealed that he contacted her just before his detention. “My late brother called me that day to say he was being sent to the guardroom. He said his offence was arriving late due to illness, but his commander wouldn’t listen. After that call, we never heard from him again — until we were told yesterday (Friday) that he was dead,” she said in an emotional interview.
She condemned the detention procedure, pointing out that military regulations do not permit indefinite confinement for minor infractions like lateness. “I’ve lived near military formations all my life. I know the rules. Detention for minor offences like lateness is not supposed to exceed 24 hours,” she said.
Wulumba, a father of four, leaves behind a grieving family, including his wife, mother, and sister.
Family Demands Justice Over Custodial Death
The family is now seeking answers and has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian military to investigate the case thoroughly. “We want answers. He served this country for over 20 years. Is this how they treat their own?” his sister lamented.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Air Force unit in Bauchi, Flight Lieutenant Ogili Friday Miracle, reportedly dismissed inquiries by saying, “I don’t have any information — we’re on holiday now.” When pressed further, he added, “If you want information, go to the family. I have nothing to give you.”
Relatives of the late officer insist his death was preventable. They vow to push for a full investigation and accountability for the circumstances that led to his demise.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
