A bizarre incident occurred at Tamadu Barracks, North Avenue, Apapa, Lagos, yesterday, following the discovery of the lifeless body of the Fleet Commander, Western Naval Command, Apapa, Rear Admiral Teikumo Daniel Ikoli, in his apartment.
There are conflicting reports as to how the Fleet Commander died. But a source told the media that sounds of gunshots were heard from his duplex in the early hours of yesterday. It was gathered that late Ikoli, who was one-time Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, lived in the duplex with a house help, a boy, while his children schooled abroad.
It was also gathered that he left the office earlier than usual on Tuesday, after complaining that he was not feeling well. Police Policemen from Apapa Division arrived the apartment at 5a.m. Police sources said: “When our men arrived the scene, it was discovered that the deceased could have shot himself. Three bullets were found in the room. But we have begun investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. There was no suicide note either.”
News of his death threw the entire Command into mourning. A personnel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “He was a wonderful officer and an achiever. “When he was the Commander of NNS Beecroft, he transformed the place. But we noticed that he became withdrawn at a point. He also suffered from an unknown ailment. Only God knows what happened yesterday.
There are suspicions that he could have been assassinated, because he had once said assassins were after him. “That was when he was a member of the Presidential Committee on the probe of arms deal. He lived alone— with a domestic worker. “His wife stays in Abuja, while his children are schooling abroad.”Navy’s statement A statement by the Western Naval Command by the Command’s Information Officer, Lieutenant Commander Chinwe Umar, read: “Gunshots were heard in the vicinity where Rear Admiral Teikumo Daniel Ikoli resides in Apapa. “When his room was opened, he was found dead. Police have been invited and investigation is on. When the situation is clearer, an update will be given.”
More updates to follow.
Source: AVC News, Vanguard Newspaper
