The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) has called for an immediate and independent investigation into the death of Mr. Promise Moses in Rumuokwurusi, a community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, alleging the involvement of personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
In a press release dated April 6, 2026, and signed by its Chancellor, Dr. Omenazu Jackson, the group urged the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to “immediately institute a comprehensive and independent inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death” of the victim.
ISSJHR described the deceased as “a law-abiding citizen and a tricycle (Keke) operator striving to earn a legitimate livelihood,” whose death has raised “grave concerns about the conduct of military officers within civilian communities.”
According to the group, preliminary findings suggest that the incident may be linked to the activities of Air Force personnel operating in the Rumuokwurusi axis of Oil Mill Market, an area where residents have reportedly complained for years about military interference in civil affairs.
The controversy surrounding the killing is tied to the existence of a facility popularly referred to as the “Airforce Market” in Rumuokwurusi. ISSJHR noted that the market has “no known legal or official establishment framework,” raising questions about its legitimacy within a civilian environment.
The group said residents of the community have, for over three years, alleged persistent harassment and intimidation by Air Force personnel, as well as unlawful involvement in civil dispute resolution and abuse of authority.
“These complaints,” the statement noted, “have now culminated in the loss of innocent life, an outcome that is both unacceptable and condemnable.”
ISSJHR argued that while the Nigerian Air Force is constitutionally mandated to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity and support civil authorities when lawfully required, its personnel are not empowered to establish commercial markets in civilian areas or assume roles outside recognized legal frameworks.
The rights group demanded the identification and prosecution of any officers found culpable in the incident, as well as full compensation for the family of the deceased.
It also called for the public disclosure of the legal basis for the establishment and operation of the “Airforce Market,” if any exists, and urged authorities to dismantle or relocate the facility from the civilian community.
Among other demands, ISSJHR sought “clear directives from Air Force authorities restricting personnel from unauthorized civil interference.”
The group warned that continued militarisation of civilian spaces “under unlawful pretenses is a dangerous precedent that must be halted immediately,” stressing that Nigeria operates under a constitutional democracy, not military rule.
“The Armed Forces must operate strictly within the bounds of constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” the statement added, warning that any deviation undermines public trust and endangers lives.
ISSJHR said the people of Rumuokwurusi had “endured enough,” insisting that justice must be served in the case.
“The era of unchecked military excesses must come to an end. Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” the group stated.
