Reps promise transparency on body found at National Assembly complex

By Omodele Adigun

The House of Representatives has said it will update Nigerians about new findings on the lifeless body discovered near the National Assembly Complex on Sunday.

The body of a 55-year-old man, identified as Gaddafi Iwar, who was a construction worker, working on one of the sites within the complex was discovered on Sunday.

According to the reports, the vehicle had been parked in the same spot for days before the discovery of the decomposed body.

Reacting to the development, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., spokesman for the House, said the House aimed to keep the public accurately informed to prevent speculation.

The lawmaker stated that the official report from the Nigeria Police Force revealed that the deceased was discovered around 9 a.m. inside the vehicle.

“The body was discovered in a sleeping position on the back seat and was already in an advanced state of decomposition.

“The police have evacuated the remains to the mortuary, and efforts are ongoing to establish the identity of the deceased and notify the family,” Rotimi said.

He added that the National Assembly is working closely with relevant security and emergency agencies to ensure a thorough investigation.

Rotimi commended the police for their swift response and assured the public of transparent updates as the investigation progresses.

“On behalf of the House, we extend our sympathies to the family and associates of the deceased once identified,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command says it has begun investigations into the case.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, on Monday, the security agency said the corpse was believed to be that of a labourer found around 9 am on Sunday, inside a red Peugeot 406, parked at a construction site within the complex.

Adeh said officers from the National Assembly Division responded to the distress call and evacuated the body to Asokoro General Hospital, where medical staff confirmed the body was already in an advanced state of decomposition.

She added that the body was promptly evacuated to Asokoro General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that it was already in an advanced state of decomposition.

The police spokesperson stated that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, had ordered a discreet probe to determine the circumstances of the incident, and that efforts be intensified to establish the identity of the deceased.

“The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, has ordered a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and directed that efforts be intensified to establish the identity of the deceased. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” she said.