The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has appealed to Nigerians to allow the family of the late NAF flying officer, Tolulope Arotile to mourn and allow the dead to rest instead of bringing up sentiments over her death.
NAF further said it would not join issues with any individual or group, adding that it is unreasonably out of place for anyone to insinuate an evil intent on the part of the service.
The sudden death of the 24-year-old flying officer has generated controversy, with Nigerians calling for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her demise.
A former Aviation Minister had said, “The idea that Tolulope was killed after being knocked down in the Airforce Base by her best friend’s car is nonsensicacal.”
He had urged the Chief of Air Staff to thoroughly investigate the officers’ death.
Another Nigerian, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, while mourning Tolulope had raised several questions concerning her death.
But while addressing the press at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja, the Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, said, “The Nigerian Air Force, being a highly professional and disciplined organization, will not join issues with any individuals or groups regarding the spurious allegations of ‘foul play’ espoused in some quarters.
“Suffice it to say that Flying Officer Arotile was a pride of the NAF in whom the Service had invested massively in terms of resources, time and energy.