Fun-seekers who attended a social event at the Ibadan Polo Club have accused some yet-to-be-identified soldiers of assault, abduction and robbery during the programme held in the Eleyele area of Ibadan.
The allegations, which surfaced on social media, were made by an Instagram user, identified as @General_Hollu, who claimed that at least four attendees were brutalised and dispossessed of their valuables at the Jameson City Takeover show held on April 25.
According to him, two of the victims had travelled from Osun State to attend the event when they were accosted by three soldiers at the entrance of the venue.
He alleged that the officers forcefully seized their mobile phones and descended on them when they questioned the action.
“While they were waiting to enter, three soldiers approached them and suddenly snatched one of their phones. When he questioned it, they also took the second person’s phone and began beating them,” he said in a video posted online.
The social media user further alleged that the victims were subsequently forced into a black Hilux van, where they met two other persons who had also been apprehended.
He claimed the soldiers drove them to an unknown location, reportedly along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where they were robbed of their phones, money, jewellery and clothing.
“They were beaten like criminals and forced to unlock their phones. The soldiers allegedly tampered with their devices and took all valuables before abandoning them in a bush,” he added.
The victims were said to have been rescued by operatives of the Amotekun Corps, who provided them with clothing and assisted them in contacting their families.
In a related development, a female attendee also alleged that she was assaulted by one of the soldiers at the crowded venue.
The victim, identified on TikTok as @explore.Ibadan, claimed she was hit and had a drink poured on her after asking for space to move through the crowd.
“I was trying to pass and said ‘excuse me’ not knowing he was a soldier. He got angry, hit me and poured alcohol in my face,” she alleged.
A short video circulating online showed a man in military camouflage trousers during a heated exchange, while another voice was heard protesting the seizure of a phone.
Eyewitnesses also corroborated parts of the incident, alleging that some soldiers slapped attendees and brandished a firearm, creating panic at the venue.
Meanwhile, the complainant said the matter had been reported to the police, with plans to submit a formal petition to the Nigerian Army and other relevant authorities.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said he was aware of the allegations but could not confirm if any formal complaint had been received.
“I have heard about it, but I cannot ascertain if a petition has been submitted,” he said.
Efforts to get a response from the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Anele Appolonia, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has since sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation and accountability over the alleged misconduct.
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