By Victor Akinkuolie

A 41-year-old businessman from Olotu community in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Mr Malo Ojogo, has accused an officer of the Nigerian Navy, attached to the Ugbonla Operational Base, of allegedly brutalising him.

The Ugbonla Naval Base, through its Public Relations Unit, however, denied the allegation.

Ojogo alleged that he sustained a neck and rib fracture, a broken left ankle, femur and toes, as well as a dislocated right arm after he was severely beaten by naval officers.

Narrating his ordeal from his sickbed at the Igbokoda General Hospital where he is currently receiving treatment, Ojogo said he was in his house in Olotu community on the fateful day around 9am when about six naval officers, armed with guns, suddenly knocked on his door.

He explained that he had earlier had a monetary transaction with one of his business partners, Mr Igbamerun Olasimbo, who had threatened to arrest him using naval officers.

“Immediately they knocked at my door, in the company of Mr Igbamerun Olasimbo, they forced me out. I was beaten to a stupor by the officers. My wife was also harassed.

“I made every effort to explain to the officers that I had already sent the money to the complainant, but they refused to listen. I was beaten to a stupor and later whisked away to the naval base in Ugbonla.

“As I appealed to them to allow me contact my lawyer, one of the officers started hitting me with his belt and boot. They even denied my wife entry into the premises of the base.”

According to a medical assessment, Ojogo, who is in critical condition, suffered a neck fracture, a broken left ankle, femur and toes, as well as a dislocated right arm.

Ojogo, while lamenting his ordeal, demanded justice, stating that he had also informed his lawyer. The matter, he said, had been reported at the Igbokoda Police Station for proper documentation.

“I have done nothing wrong. Both of us — the complainant and I — were business partners. These officers have treated me unjustly, and I want justice,” he said.

He added that beyond the report lodged at the Igbokoda Police Station, he had also contacted the Office of the Public Defender for further action.