Psychiatric Test for Airforce Man Who Shot Girlfriend to Death Over Jealousy

Psychiatric Test for Airforce Man Who Shot Girlfriend to Death Over Jealousy

There are indications that B A Kalu, a member of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) who allegedly shot his female colleague and lover, Solape Oladipupo, is presently undergoing a psychiatric test.

The Airforce man had also written a suicide note in which he declared his intention to take his own life after ending that of his lover for unclear allegations made against her. He however did not shoot himself as planned.

Sources within the Airforce said Kalu would be made to face a disciplinary panel after which he would be dismissed from the service.

NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, who confirmed the psychiatric test said the Air force would also ascertain whether Kalu acted under the influence of drugs.

Famuyiwa said, “If somebody wrote down a note and also committed himself to such act, we have to be sure if he is mentally stable or not. Therefore, there is a psychiatrist that is attached to him for a test. I also understand that some of his blood sample was taken to ascertain whether he had used drugs.

“Kalu will remain in the service until a disciplinary panel set up on the matter comes up with its decision. We know there are several offences against the state, including this one, which is murder. But the air force has set up its own disciplinary procedure. A board is investigating and will decide the punishments for the suspect. The girl’s parents have been contacted and the NAF has commiserated with the family.”

Sources at the NAF Tactical Air Command, Makurdi, Benue State, where the incident occurred, were cited by Punch as having said that the Airforce man would be handed over to the police as a civilian after his dismissal, for prosecution.

The incident comes a few months after a Nigerian Airforce jet accidentally bombed a camp for internally displaced persons leading to the loss of over 100 lives. Many observers thereafter called for psychiatric tests for members of the force to ascertain mental fitness for the tasks being carried out.

Other members of the Nigerian armed forces have at different times been involved in such violent scenarios over conflicting love interests. Recently, a policeman in Lagos brutalised his girlfriend’s housemate for failing to disclose the whereabouts of his lover.