Soldier assault journalist Lagos case sparks concern after TheCable editor alleges attack during traffic dispute in Ikeja

Olalekan Fakoyejo, Assistant Business Editor at TheCable, has alleged that a soldier assaulted him in the Ogba area of Lagos State following a traffic-related altercation, in an incident that has reignited concerns over military conduct in civilian spaces.

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Speaking on Monday, Fakoyejo said the encounter occurred on Saturday while he was travelling by tricycle from Ikeja to Ogba.

The situation unfolded near Pleasant Event Centre, where soldiers were reportedly managing traffic congestion.

According to Fakoyejo, a soldier had stopped another tricycle rider and ordered the individual to climb onto the vehicle as punishment, an action he believed worsened the already heavy traffic.

“The soldier was trying to punish a tricycle driver on a different lane,” Fakoyejo said. “What he was doing was causing traffic, and I said this is causing traffic.”

The soldier allegedly overheard the remark, dragged Fakoyejo out of his tricycle, and began issuing threats. Fakoyejo said he was ordered to approach other soldiers at a distance but refused, insisting he had committed no offence.

The situation escalated rapidly. Fakoyejo alleged that while explaining his position to another soldier who approached, the initial officer struck him without warning.

A video cited by TheCable reportedly showed the soldier shoving the journalist and attempting to strike him with a cudgel. During the confrontation, Fakoyejo’s phone fell to the ground and its screen shattered.

Bystanders later intervened, urging him to leave the area to avoid further harm. As he withdrew, Fakoyejo claimed that two additional soldiers confronted him and allegedly threatened further violence before onlookers appealed for calm.

Efforts to obtain an official response from Appolonia Anele, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing.

The soldier assault journalist Lagos incident adds to a growing list of reported clashes between military personnel and civilians, raising fresh questions about accountability and rules of engagement.

Public concern has intensified in recent months. In August 2025, the Nigerian Army faced backlash following the death of Abdulsamad Jamiu in the Dei-Dei area of the Federal Capital Territory during a confrontation involving troops and fleeing suspects.

While the army said the victim was caught in crossfire, the family disputed the account and demanded justice.

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The latest allegation is likely to amplify calls for stricter oversight of military operations in civilian environments, particularly in densely populated urban centres such as Lagos.