Sad: General Ogbole James Crushed To Death In Lagos By A Drunk Corporal

By Adesina Soyooye

Death couldn’t have been so cheap. So unwarranted. So unexpected.

Brigadier-General Audu Ogbole James had closed from work for the day. He was the Director of Finance at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, NAFRS, Oshodi, Lagos.

He was walking back to his house within the NAFRS,  when an Army Corporal, driving an SUV, crushed him to death. The SUV’s number plate is EKY 177 FX. It is not known yet who owns the SUV.

The soldier, Cpl Abayomi Edun, was allegedly driving under the influence. He was, said reports, drunk at the time of the accident.

A Medical Doctor at the NAFRS, confirmed the General dead when he was rushed to the clinic.

His colleagues are inconsolable. They describe him as a fine officer.

His classmates at the National Institute fir Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, say they are devastated.

In a statement, signed by ACM Kayode Olagunji, they said: “Our indefatigable, humble, friendly, bridge builder, the Monitor-General, SEC 40 of the National Institute of Policy and  Strategic Studies, Kuru, Brigadier Gen AO James, mni, just departed. He died from injuries sustained in a knock-down on the road yesterday (Tuesday, 15/11/22) evening in Lagos.

“May his soul rest in peace. Our condolences to the family, AANI, especially, the SEC 40. May the Lord console all and grant the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

General James had  first and second degrees in Accounting and Finance. He was a  Fellow of the Association of National  Accountants, ANAN. He, also, held memberships of the Nigerian Institute of Management, NIM, Nigerian Institute of Directors, MIoD, Chattered Institute of Taxation, ACTI, and the National Institute, mni.

Being a drive and drunk accident, it is not known if Cpl Edun will be charged of manslaughter, only. What is obvious, for now, lawyers say, is that he faces dismissal from the Army and a jail term. Worse, his conscience will hunt him forever over this avoidable tragedy.