Credible sources have disagreed with claims that Tony Iwelu, the Chief Security Officer to the Minister of Transportation Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, died as a result of electric shock.
Mr Iwelu was said to have described as senior intelligence personnel, died on Monday morning while on a trip with the transport minister.
Chief spokesperson for the DSS, Peter Afunanya, said the officer was electrocuted at his hotel room.
“He died at his hotel during an electric accident,” Mr Afunanya said.
However, sources knowledgeable in the matter said Mr Iwelu was shot by bandits who tried to abduct the minister while trying to board the Abuja-Kaduna train on Sunday, February 16.
The questioned if the CSO would sleep in a different room from the minister.
Pertinent questions they asked include if the hotel was substandard that they had a naked wire in the shower? What is the name of the hotel?
It was gathered that the kidnappers laid ambush around Mando area and attempted to waylay the passengers, who arrived at Rigasa train station around 8:15 pm.
Sources said no sooner the kidnappers opened fire on the vehicles than mobile policemen and soldiers arrived the scene in armoured vehicles to disperse the hoodlums.
Also Read: Reactions trail Adeboye’s advice to men not to marry women that can’t cook
“We were lucky the police and soldiers are nearby to come to our rescue. The minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi was among the passengers. His convoy had to make a detour onto Rigasa road,” Daily Nigerian quoted Musa Lawan, one of the passengers.
But the minister in a tweet denied the attack. However, Mrs Aisha Yesuf said the minister was lying.
According to her: “Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi you should be ashamed of yourself. My sister, my brother and my sister-in-law were in that train. When your convoy scattered and you fled like a new born mouse whom water have been poured on, it was witnessed!. GOVERNANCE IS NOT BY LIES & PROPAGANDA!”
Amaechi responded …
Madam, I was not attacked, I did not see or escaped attackers, bandits or kidnappers. I did not “fled like a…” Insults & abuses will not change the fact that I was not attacked or escaped attack, in Kaduna last night. BTW, we can still be respectful & courteous here. Goodmornin https://t.co/ylhj4AqIQO
— Chibuike.R. Amaechi (@ChibuikeAmaechi) February 17, 2020
Tributes poured in for the minister’s late CSO.
An aide to the Minister who confirmed the story, described Tony Iwelu as a lovely fellow and very diligent, adding that his death is a great loss to the Ministry of Transport, his family and the nation at large.
The aide said that though death is inevitable, it was sad that Tony died as young man full of energy, prospects and with so much to offer Humanity.
He further noted that the deceased initiated the Tony Iwelu Foundation, as a platform to help the poor and support the needy.
Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside said Mr. Tony Iwelu’s death is a painful experience in recent times.
“One of the most painful experience in recent times. How else can we explain that life is like a vapour?
“Tony was a wonderful person. May Tony’s soul Rest in Peace,” Dakuku said.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transport, Saibu Zakari, on his part has prayed for the repose of Mr. Iwelu’s soul.
Zakari said: “May Tony’s soul rest in perfect peace. We really lost a very good and hardworking friend. I called Tony two times at 7.26am and 7.30 am yesterday but no response. That indeed was not Tony’s character.
“May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

asphericnews
