A shock wave reverberated through Sir Tamandu Barracks, Apapa, Lagos State, where the Fleet Commander of Western Naval Command, Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Teikumo Daniel Ikoli, was found dead in his apartment. Ikoli’s death has been described as mysterious.
While some people in the area said he was assassinated, others insisted that he committed suicide. The admiral was found yesterday morning, with a pistol lying on top of his chest. Some people suggested he shot himself in the mouth and placed the gun on his chest. But it is doubtful.
Ikoli had guards attached to him. Some people wondered where the guards were when he either committed suicide or was murdered. It is also yet unclear whether he lived alone or with his wife and children. Those who said he was assassinated explained that there was no way he could have killed himself and placed the gun on his chest. According to sources, Ikoli, before his death, was attached to NNS Beecroft, Marine Beach. He was also said to have recently being promoted to his present rank.
At the scene in Apapa, naval officers stationed at the gate of the barracks, said they were not aware of the incident. But some of them were discussing the incident in hush tones.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Olarinde Famous-Cole, said: “There is an ongoing investigation related to the incident.” A resident of the area said he knew something was wrong after he heard a gunshot in the early hours of yesterday. Another source said: “He was murdered in his apartment. Somebody said he killed himself. A bullet was shot into his mouth and a pistol placed on his chest.
I have worked with him. I can tell you that he was a very nice man. I know that he had security guards attached to him. I’m surprised that nobody has been arrested over his death. I don’t know anything about his wife or children.” A naval officer, who worked with him, said: “His wife is in Abuja and his children school abroad. His orderly and Naval Assistant (NA) usually leaves after he gets home. The bullet hit him on the chest. Three bullets were seen in his room.
No one can really tell what happened but the position he was seen suggests he might have been scared of something or someone.” In a statement made available to journalists, the Western Naval Command Information Officer, Lieutenant Commander Chinwe Umar, described the matter as domestic accident. She said: “In the early hours of Wednesday, April 5, gunshots were heard in the vicinity where Rear Admiral Teikumo Daniel Ikoli resided in Apapa.
When his room was opened, he was found dead. Police have been invited and investigation is ongoing. When the situation is clearer, an update would be given.” If investigations reveal that Ikoli took his own life, it would be second shocking suicide in Lagos in less than a month.
New Telegraph
