Tragedy has struck the Ajah area of Lagos State following the brutal killing of a 67-year-old man, Augustine Nwalieze, allegedly by his gateman under circumstances that have left residents and family members in deep shock.
The deceased, said to be a transport manager, was reportedly attacked in his residence on Saturday morning shortly after preparing to leave the house.
A family member, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as devastating, explaining that the victim had gone downstairs to the car park area where spare vehicle parts and a solar panel were kept.
According to the account, concern arose when none of his vehicles had been moved and repeated calls to his phone went unanswered. Suspicion soon shifted to the gateman, identified as Abdullahi Dairu, after he reportedly gave conflicting explanations about the victim’s whereabouts.
“He said my father-in-law went out with a friend, but when we contacted that person, he denied seeing him,” the source said.
The situation escalated when the gateman reportedly fled the premises, prompting a search of the compound. The victim was later discovered in one of the downstairs flats with multiple machete wounds on his head, hands, and body.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival.
The incident has left the household shaken. At the time of the attack, the victim’s wife, daughter, and other occupants were said to be upstairs, unaware of what was happening below.
Confirming the development, the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos said it has launched an investigation into the killing and is actively searching for the fleeing suspect.
Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect and uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
The shocking killing has raised fresh concerns about domestic security and background checks for household staff, as residents in the area call for swift justice.