The Army has arrested a soldier, identified as Muktar Mohammed, following his alleged involvement in the killing of a 19-year-old, Richman Leyal, in Gbaraun community, Southern Ijaw, Bayelsa State.
The Nation learnt that the soldier was arrested following the directive of the chief of Army Staff (COAS), who ordered the 6th Division to investigate the death of Leyal.
COAS was said to have acted on a petition by Mr. Efieseimokumo Bipeledei, lawyer to Chief Oweilayefa Akpami, Chief Inaighaghe Abagidi, Chief Solomon Leyal and Mr. Mathial Leyal, relations of the deceased.
The teenager was reportedly killed on June 19 at the site of a self-help project, following alleged sporadic gunshots by Mohammed and three soldiers, who were said to be on the run.
Bipeledei confirmed the arrest of the suspect.
He said upon receipt of the petitions, the chief of Army Staff directed the 6 Division to investigate the murder.
Bipeledei said: “The military personnel visited the scene of the crime at Gbaraun community where they saw evidence of sporadic shooting.
“The investigation team visited the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) mortuary to see the body, where they confirmed that the deceased died of gunshot injury.
“The team later visited the Criminal Investigation Department where the head, Homicide Department, briefed them.”
He said evidence gathered showed that the teenager died of gunshots and prompted the team to arrest Mohammed.